Jean Claude Junket has been making 'threats' since before the Referendum, saying the deal would be so punitive to the UK that no other country would dare leave the EU. Mother Theresa makes perfectly understandable riposte and they all throw their toys out the pram, what should we do? Just roll over and let them tickle our belly? Get real, there are high stakes and we have to play as dirty as they will, perhaps that 'threat' will make some in the EU realise they have just as much to lose if they don't play reasonably...
You're right.
I don't have any issue with either side making positional statements prior to starting negotiations. I've done enough negotiating myself to know this is just posturing for the voters and will all be forgotten as soon as the work around the table begins. As you say, both sides have things to lose if this isn't done right. I don't think the EU has as much to lose as we do, but enough that they will want to minimise any losses - as I hope we also will.
What I don't like is the way some people in the media (real and social) are using this pre-negotiation posturing as an excuse to blow dog whistles and stir up anger amongst decent people. We all need clear heads now, not hot ones.
Posturing or not, threatening non-cooperation on security issues is just plain wrong in my eyes.
