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I know we were a bit of a pain in the arse at times (though I'd say, no more than some other countries which doesn't seem to generate the same press or vitriol), but the EU would, in an ideal world, like us back. The chances of that happening are slim enough, swapping the £ for the euro would absolutely torpedo it.
That would probably be a good metric of how serious the will is for us to return, if the demands include losing our currency that to me would demonstrate that the talks are poisoned to fail.
You mean, if the UK is treated fairly (like other countries) that means you don't like it?
I can see why the EU was ok with the UK leaving. They're a pain to deal with. I think they should wait ten years until prices go up for all goods from the EU, US, China, etc. because the UK has no muscle to negotiate trade agreements.
Then the UK will beg to be let in.
Negotiating trade agreements isn’t exactly a strength of the EU. It doesn’t have deals with China, India or even the US, for example. But it’s not like Chinese products are really expensive without one. In fact, the benefits are generally in the other direction — opening export markets for our products and services.
That's because the WTO makes bilateral agreements less useful than before. But EU countries are represented individually and dually by the EU in WTO proceedings.
It's much better to have dozens of friends backing you up in a dispute. There is no benefit and a major drawback to leaving. No one will stick up for you.
I certainly agree there are no benefits, but the whole debate around trade agreements is overblown on both sides. The UK is a service economy, and even within the EU itself there isn’t a single market for lots of services. The idea that either EU membership or Brexit can deliver meaningful trade benefits outside Europe is largely nonsense.
Yeah trade isn't that important now, that's why there were no shortages of basic goods during the pandemic... oh wait.
Are you suggesting that trade agreements can prevent pandemics?
Are you suggesting that trade agreements can prevent pandemics?
No, if I meant to say that, I'd have said it. Stop inventing things I said.
We want you guys back.
Although you're a bit in shambles right now, you're still a weight in economy and military that adds to the EU. All the more once you're in better times. The more similiarly aligned countries, the better so we can actually stand next to the titans of the USA and China that we couldn't stand up to alone.
But yeah, I don't think you get your extra benefits back.
Exactly. The EU would be mad to allow us to return with all the same, very-favourable terms we had before!