Off Topic Political Debate

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What is really surprising is that New New Labour is not taking any advantage of the Tories disarray. I would have thought that some of them would have tried to make some mileage out of it - probably not Comrade Corbyn as he is a historical Eurosceptic, but there must be others up for a bit of a fight?

One of the first things Corbyn said when he was elected is that Labour won't use dirty tactics from now on, look at PMQs, Porky Dave throws insults at him throughout and he remains composed and polite.

How politics should be done <applause>

Lynton Crosby's Dead Cat techniques are strictly for the right wing now, showing the public what the Nasty Party are all about <ok>
 
I was questioning the specific comment regarding having no one qualified to undertake trade negotiations - nothing more nothing less. It does not involve newspapers or the 2 camps, or journalists qualifications, just that specific point.
As with the comment regarding the trade deficit with EU countries, it seems that if I ask specific questions they are bypassed and a different point addressed.

I'll have a go. In Whitehall the negotiators are trained to work within an EU contexct so they put forward UK views which are then represented by the Commission. In a post Brexit world they would then be required to negotiate bilaterally.
Are they qualified to do it? Maybe so but I think it's justifiable to question that. My guess is that we would see an army of trained negotiators come in from private industry and other countries to do this for us if it is considered that we don't have the current skills and resources.
 
Very interesting and revealing comment from Iceland' prime minister. Mr Gunnlaugsson, he warned larger member states like the UK wield 'diminishing power' in institutions still under the sway of the Franco-German alliance. He also said 'when it comes to the big stuff the decisions are made by two, and increasingly one country'

"Others are called to meetings to approve of what has been decided, if not in the afternoon then during the middle of the night. This seems to have become the standard way of doing things in Brussels' he said.

He also confirmed he would like a free trade deal with the UK, through the EEA or independently.

Those people who think that there is any chance of reforming the EU from within are completely mistaken. This guy is in the middle so is perfectly placed to give an honest account of what really happens.
 
Very interesting and revealing comment from Iceland' prime minister. Mr Gunnlaugsson, he warned larger member states like the UK wield 'diminishing power' in institutions still under the sway of the Franco-German alliance. He also said 'when it comes to the big stuff the decisions are made by two, and increasingly one country'

"Others are called to meetings to approve of what has been decided, if not in the afternoon then during the middle of the night. This seems to have become the standard way of doing things in Brussels' he said.

He also confirmed he would like a free trade deal with the UK, through the EEA or independently.

Those people who think that there is any chance of reforming the EU from within are completely mistaken. This guy is in the middle so is perfectly placed to give an honest account of what really happens.
He's not really in the middle though is he? The UK coming out will be a massive boost for the anti EU lobby in Iceland.

And, on his main point, if Member Sttes do not agree with what is being tabled they can vote against it.
 
I'll have a go. In Whitehall the negotiators are trained to work within an EU contexct so they put forward UK views which are then represented by the Commission. In a post Brexit world they would then be required to negotiate bilaterally.
Are they qualified to do it? Maybe so but I think it's justifiable to question that. My guess is that we would see an army of trained negotiators come in from private industry and other countries to do this for us if it is considered that we don't have the current skills and resources.
Thanks - that makes some sense then.
 
Very interesting and revealing comment from Iceland' prime minister. Mr Gunnlaugsson, he warned larger member states like the UK wield 'diminishing power' in institutions still under the sway of the Franco-German alliance. He also said 'when it comes to the big stuff the decisions are made by two, and increasingly one country'

"Others are called to meetings to approve of what has been decided, if not in the afternoon then during the middle of the night. This seems to have become the standard way of doing things in Brussels' he said.

He also confirmed he would like a free trade deal with the UK, through the EEA or independently.

Those people who think that there is any chance of reforming the EU from within are completely mistaken. This guy is in the middle so is perfectly placed to give an honest account of what really happens.
Why is there are Franco-German alliance ? Primarily because Britain has been watching from the sidelines for so long without really taking its membership of this club seriously.
 
He's not really in the middle though is he? The UK coming out will be a massive boost for the anti EU lobby in Iceland.

And, on his main point, if Member Sttes do not agree with what is being tabled they can vote against it.

The only hope you have is that he is telling a pack of lies. If not you should be very concerned.
 
The only hope you have is that he is telling a pack of lies. If not you should be very concerned.
I wouldn't call it a pack of lies but there is a big element of misrepresentation here imho. The Commission regulalrly hold bilaterals with individual Members to see what they want. It does not mean that is what they actually come away with.
 
I wouldn't call it a pack of lies but there is a big element of misrepresentation here imho. The Commission regulalrly hold bilaterals with individual Members to see what they want. It does not mean that is what they actually come away with.

I'm sure there are many procedures in place but he has outlined exactly what happens in practice. I can understand your reluctance to accept the reality of the situation, it makes the 'remain' position extremely dangerous.
 
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