Overall, that really isn't too bad of a result

[Monty92]

Eh? A soft Brexit means that the Brexit terms are not markedly different from what we have now. That would be the EU's choice, and much of Great Britain's as well.

But it would encourage other countries to get out, as everyone wants the benefits of the EU without being members.

[World's End Stella]

But it would encourage other countries to get out, as everyone wants the benefits of the EU without being members.

I think you're confused about what a soft Brexit is, Monty old bean.

It means that very little changes, so little that you could argue (and the EU would) that the whole thing was pointless. If we end up more or less in the same position as we are now, why would anyone go through the bother of leaving given the hassle and cost associated with it?

[Monty92]

I think you're confused about what a soft Brexit is, Monty old bean.

It means that very little changes, so little that you could argue (and the EU would) that the whole thing was pointless. If we end up more or less in the same position as we are now, why would anyone go through the bother of leaving given the hassle and cost associated with it?

If we are allowed to leave the EU, but stay in the single market, that would make leaving the EU attractive to other countries

[Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult]

If we are allowed to leave the EU, but stay in the single market, that would make leaving the EU attractive to other countries

Dear God, Monty. Of course you can. Look at Norway. Switzerland does for most of its industries.

[Burney]

Dear God, Monty. Of course you can. Look at Norway. Switzerland does for most of its industries.

Important distinction: Neither Norway nor Switzerland left the EU. They were just never a part of it. Also, the price Norway pays for access to the single market is free movement and that is simply a red line no UK government will be allowed to cross.

[Luis Anaconda]

I think you're confused about what a soft Brexit is, Monty old bean.

It means that very little changes, so little that you could argue (and the EU would) that the whole thing was pointless. If we end up more or less in the same position as we are now, why would anyone go through the bother of leaving given the hassle and cost associated with it?

So you are saying the EU would allow us to have more or less the same rights as being in the EU without actually being in the EU? Something which Merkel and high-ranking EU officials have categorically ruled out?

[World's End Stella]

So you are saying the EU would allow us to have more or less the same rights as being in the EU without actually being in the EU? Something which Merkel and high-ranking EU officials have categorically ruled out?

No, I'm saying that soft Brexit might well mean we maintain many of the rights we have while being in the EU (but not all of them) but also have many of the responsibilities that we thought we would no longer have by leaving. As an example, we might reach an agreement whereby we keep the financial passport and have a more restricted access to the common market but in exchange we pay additional money to the EU and allow freer movement to the UK for EU countries than for non-EU countries.

I would imagine there are also sorts of permutations and combinations that would keep everyone happy.

[Mo Britain less Europe]

No, I'm saying that soft Brexit might well mean we maintain many of the rights we have while being in the EU (but not all of them) but also have many of the responsibilities that we thought we would no longer have by leaving. As an example, we might reach an agreement whereby we keep the financial passport and have a more restricted access to the common market but in exchange we pay additional money to the EU and allow freer movement to the UK for EU countries than for non-EU countries.

I would imagine there are also sorts of permutations and combinations that would keep everyone happy.

The EU will only be happy if its flag continues to fly over UK and its misrule continues and deepens

[Luis Anaconda]

No, I'm saying that soft Brexit might well mean we maintain many of the rights we have while being in the EU (but not all of them) but also have many of the responsibilities that we thought we would no longer have by leaving. As an example, we might reach an agreement whereby we keep the financial passport and have a more restricted access to the common market but in exchange we pay additional money to the EU and allow freer movement to the UK for EU countries than for non-EU countries.

I would imagine there are also sorts of permutations and combinations that would keep everyone happy.

Fair enough, twas the money thing that I was really looking at. Thank you for clarifying. I am not so sure this result means a "softer" brexit is more likely - though I hope so. Depends on who is negotiating it - whoever it is will be in thrall to an anti-Eu DUP and a very strong right wing of the party (bearing in mind that the conservative vote held up so well is largely due to returning Ukippers). Like most things nowadays - very hard to predict

[Burney]

Fair enough, twas the money thing that I was really looking at. Thank you for clarifying. I am not so sure this result means a "softer" brexit is more likely - though I hope so. Depends on who is negotiating it - whoever it is will be in thrall to an anti-Eu DUP and a very strong right wing of the party (bearing in mind that the conservative vote held up so well is largely due to returning Ukippers). Like most things nowadays - very hard to predict

All last night's result means is a much, much messier Brexit. It's going to be pretty much impossible to reach a deal of any sort with this sort of domestic instability.