Current Politics in the United Kingdom

[Devius]

Originally Posted by scoundrel

The truth is that we inhabit a global culture, but of course all countries interpret and adapt it their own way and are distinctive. Most British people rather like America and deeply appreciate the alliance and the past history. In WW2 the entry of America into the war absolutely saved us; it was like hearing the 7th Cavalry bugles blowing. We have a strong folk memory and we certainly do remember who our friends are (and aren't).

But of course the world has moved on and in some ways America has failed to move with it. All relationships evolve. Britain is extremely resistant to being pushed around or to being made to conform with the expectations of outsiders; as no doubt all countries are. If we like what we see of American culture we cannibalise it to ourselves. Hollywood is of course a major conduit of American dreams. The things we don't like, such as the childish and irresponsible, onanistic obsession with guns; the utterly cavalier disregard for social duty and responsibility of the American mainstream political thought, incredibly right wing when seen through a British lens; the attitude of so many American people to their environment, their drinking water, their future generation; the very air they breathe; those things we simply reject. But the friendship we do not reject.

Thank you.
I admit to being completely and utterly BORED with the infantile goings-on at Pestminster with what is the most important decision facing the UK in decades.

But I was pi$$ed-off at the recent comments of Trump's Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, who appeared to warn PM May against a closer alignment with the EU, post-Brexit.

As I understand it Brexit was supposed to be the UK taking back control. Whatever decision the UK makes, be it good or ill, it will be OUR decision, and no-one else's.

Or to quote from Winston Churchill, "What kind of people do they think we are?"

[DB83]

So St. Theresa is prepared to double her money to 40 bn to get the trade talks moving and then Barnier spouts out that the offer would be for the UK to be under the EU's kosh - still 'in' whilst being out.

That sounds like having one's cake an eating it.

And with Germany, who really call the shots - they shout and the other 25 roll over like faithful puppies - being in political limbo, can real progress be made ?

[G-Type]

Originally Posted by DB83

...
And with Germany, who really call the shots - they shout and the other 25 roll over like faithful puppies - being in political limbo, can real progress be made ?

Even though we have some political disturbances here, I have no doubt that St. Angela will stay in charge and consequently will have influence in Brussels. And even though I am not a supporter of her party, I am very convinced that she´s highly interested to have a fair agreement between the EU and the UK

By result, the UK might be glad one day that -in this particular case- "the other 25 have rolled over like faithful puppies"
.

[bloke57]

Funny old thing.

I don't remember any of the prominent leave campaigners mentioning that we'd have to fork out 40 billion quids to quit the E.U.

Must have slipped their minds. They are busy people.

[Wendigo]

They probably didn't as it is commonly accepted practice in business that if you are a member of a club and you pay fees that you should honour your commitment to any decisions you were involved in prior to leaving.
I have more faith in Merkel than other European leaders and far ahead of the myriad career EU muppets. I do think she honestly realises a fair negotiated deal is good for both sides, I hope she can rein in Barmier and his cohorts.

[DB83]

'Barmier' Why the fook did I not fink o dat ?

[vinceprince]

Originally Posted by Wendigo

They probably didn't as it is commonly accepted practice in business that if you are a member of a club and you pay fees that you should honour your commitment to any decisions you were involved in prior to leaving.
I have more faith in Merkel than other European leaders and far ahead of the myriad career EU muppets. I do think she honestly realises a fair negotiated deal is good for both sides, I hope she can rein in Barmier and his cohorts.

Barnier was unanimously appointed by the 27 EU Head of States and his remit was unanimously agreed by the likes of Merkel and Macron etc. He has no power other than doing exactly what they say.

All the important decisions are always taken by the Council of Ministers (elected Heads of States) though this is ignored by many as it does not fit in with the 'Eurocrat' Brexit narrative.

[judy84]

Originally Posted by bloke57

Funny old thing.

I don't remember any of the prominent leave campaigners mentioning that we'd have to fork out 40 billion quids to quit the E.U.

Must have slipped their minds. They are busy people.

At the moment we pay £13 billion a year plus all other EU commitments such as MEPs....probably think 40 billion is cheap rather than the never-ending rise in EU bureaucracy, EU army, taxing of individual citizens by EU, etc.

[Nobody1]

Originally Posted by scoundrel

But the friendship we do not reject.

Vladimir Putin once answered the question of a German journo whether he is a friend of Germany as follows :

I am not your friend, I am the President of the Russian Federation.

[bloke57]

Originally Posted by judy84

At the moment we pay £13 billion a year plus all other EU commitments such as MEPs....probably think 40 billion is cheap rather than the never-ending rise in EU bureaucracy, EU army, taxing of individual citizens by EU, etc.

Maybe - but they still didn't mention it. All after the fact.