Off Topic The EU thread ... first 100 weeks

Not before time either.

 

DAY 1 - Good news

There will doubtless be good news and bad news stories during the first 100 days of our independence from the Customs Union and all other EU regulations. I'll kick things off with a story I think everybody will agree is good news for all women & girls in the UK;

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55502252

The 5% VAT 'Tampon Tax' has been scrapped immediately

The only reason that no UK Government could do this before was because of EU Law.
Because - according to the EU - period products are 'non-essential'.
Frankly that medieval policy beggared belief back in the 20th Century, never mind the 21st.

Period Poverty is not a direct consequence of this tax.
Like all forms of poverty it is the responsibility of the Government to tackle with policies that help the poorest in our society.
But this 5% tax was clearly not making the matter any better.
And it is the clearest ever example of a sexist tax.

Well done the Government
This is an example of exactly what we want from Brexit.

 

Good luck to everyone who thinks it's a good idea.

 

It’s called democracy.

Those of us on the other side had to suck it up for 13 years when Blair ruined the country.

 

I find it mildly annoying that when Scottish Independence is talked about on News programmes, reporters say that if Scotland does gain independence it intends to rejoin the EU.

Scotland has never been a member of the European Union.
If it gains its independence, it will have to join the EU, as a new nation. None of its previous history within the EU as part of the UK will count for anything.
The EU themselves have confirmed this many times.

Rejoin is lazy and incorrect reporting.
And the SNP is also incorrect and disingenuous if its politicians speak to the Scottish People about rejoining the EU.

 

There's a YouTube commentator named Jeff Taylor who understands the economics of the EU better than anyone I know.

He did a detailed analysis last week of Scotland's finances if a member of the UK exporting about 20% of its product (on current figures) to Europe as opposed to if a member of Europe exporting 60% of its product to the remainder of the UK. It would be financial madness for Scotland to re-align with Europe.

Leaving aside the obvious point that although the SNP are complaining about the new fishing quota, if Scotland were to become part of the EU its waters would be governed by the CFP and Scottish fishermen would be back to being allowed only small percentage.

 

Day 4 - bad news

If you want to buy Dutch bicycle parts or Belgian beer.
Two EU based firms who specialise in these essential items have said they will continue to export them anywhere in the WORLD, except the UK
Because they don't like having to pay some new tax on them.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55530721

We can't take anymore. You've broken us!
Pleeeease please let us rejoin! We'll be good, promise...

My dutch bike needs a new chain

 

I found myself wondering how many people railing against Trump's reluctance to accept the result of the American election are vocally refusing to accept the result of the EU referendum.

I have been "unfriended" on Facebook by one who took issue at my suggestion that acceptance of voting results should not be selective.

 

Day 15 ... A story of this nature was not unexpected, but nonetheless it is a very important subject...



Prime Minister:
Your Government will be judged by how it approaches this question, now that the UK Parliament has the power to make changes to employment law that go beyond any EU based restrictions.

We are watching.

 

The fishermen deserve huge sympathy.

 

I did love Rees-Mogg's comment that the fish are now British and happier for it

 

The Speaker didn't like it so much.

 

Day 15...

Post-Brexit customs systems not fit for purpose, say meat exporters

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55680315

They aren't the only ones saying it.
My firm has not managed to send out one parcel or pallet to mainland Europe since we came back to work on 4th January.
The carriers we use say it just isn't happening.

Fortunately the machines we sell don't spoil in a few days like fresh or chilled food does.
But we can't go on for a lot longer with nothing leaving at all. Customers will start cancelling orders.
And our UK sales are down about 75% due to the national lockdown.

Get the Customs issues sorted
Or if it cannot be done due to bad faith / deliberate obstruction across the channel, let's be told about it.

 

We've been without a toaster for 3 weeks now because the replacement for the old one, under guarantee, is on the way from Belgium. Shockin, juss shockin.

 

Rolands revenge

 

Day 18...

The fishermen are revolting

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55706114

Good for them. We need this customs business sorted out
BORIS! Oy...
January 1st was just the start of the process, not the end of it.

 

Day 20...

Musicians 'failed by government' over EU touring, stars say

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-55721729

 

Day 21...

Food supply problems in NI clearly a Brexit issue - Coveney

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-55741990

Blimey - they're running out of food in Northern Ireland!
And the NI Secretary says that empty supermarket shelves "have nothing to do with Brexit"

Pull th other one. That's less credible than driving 60 miles to test your eyesight.