The amount of times this subject has been on the news and on Facebook I would of thought it might be the other way round,
Not having read all of the thread yet and ay the risk of repeating what someone has already said the EU can’t allow the UK to leave “easily” or on good terms as it would be the beginning of the end for them as everyone else contributing more than they get out would then look to leave as there would be no point in them staying in on an economic basis. Therefore, the EU are deliberately making it as difficult as possible for the Uk to leave on “good” terms.
When UK joined the EU it was a trading organisation. Since then it has devolved into a political union and that union is going to get stronger and tighter. This 'union' will be led by France and Germany if current trends continue. Historically the people of Britain have never been in favour of being ruled by either France or Germany, (despite the family tree of our Royal Family), and the vote to leave indicated that this view still holds. On economic grounds there is a strong case for getting out now, while it is still possible. The French economy is in something of a mess, in good part due to their social welfare system. Recent attempts to have the French pay for it themselves has resulted in the 'Yellow Vest' protests. Let the rest of Europe sort this one out.
Even though this has been outright rejected by both countries folk still like to play on people's fears, for some reason.
This may be a little disingenuous on the part of Nissan in that it differs from Honda who admitted that their reduction in UK production had nothing to do with Brexit. What Honda was hinting at was the Trade Agreement reached with The Eu by Japan which came into effect in February. In effect this allows Japan to export cars to The EU free of import duties and of course the reverse applies. The reason that Japanese companies set up in Europe in the first place was because of these import duties. They were exporting their jobs but increasing their profits. That reason, it seems, no longer exists but there was some value in logistical terms and of course the Sunderland factory is Nissans most profitable, worldwide it is claimed. The difference in approach between Honda and Nissan MAY have something to do with Nissan being closely aligned to Renault and taking the opportunity to make a political point by blaming' Brexit. The EU/ Japan Trade Agreement though was always going to impact heavily on the car industry in UK. As a disclaimer here, I should add that this is not a subject I know much about and as we seem to have some who might claim to be economists who understand this industry I'd like to have their views.
