So there seems to be some debate about how much we should pay as part of Brexit

[Ash]

I'm not sure that upsetting the other party is a great tactic for the rest of the Brexit negotiations. We could do with a concession or two being thrown our way.

They're already upset, Rich. I think Peter is on the mark on this one. **** 'em.

[Burney]

They're already upset, Rich. I think Peter is on the mark on this one. **** 'em.

On one level, I'd love to see us walk away while flicking v-signs at them. However, one can see that this would precipitate an all-out shítstorm for both sides that would be in neither side's interests.

However, one starts to suspect that a break that's as acrimonious as humanly possible is actually what the Commission wants, so I wouldn't rule out such an outcome.

[Peter]

They're already upset, Rich. I think Peter is on the mark on this one. **** 'em.

Quite. I dont think it is a particularly good negotiating tactic to be rubbishing them in public but it is the government's job. THat prize goof Johnson telling them to go whistle, etc.

If we are going to do that in public we may as well do it in private. I cant see that we really want anything from them. Brexit means brexit (after all) so we are out, out, out. We are getting a trade deal either way and happy to leave without one so lets just get on with it. As fr as the rights of our citizens abroad are concerned we hold the cards as we can just threaten to be beastly to the MILLIONS of EU citizens here claiming benefits, stealing our women etc.

Tell them to **** off. Its what the public wants, after all.

[SWv2]

I had heard rumours of 50bil or so, but Boris is saying 30bil is too much, I think.

All of which is very puzzling because I've been assured many times that Brexit means Brexit and that that answers all questions pertaining to the details of us leaving the EU so I'm not too sure what the issue really is.

I'm going to repeat Brexit means Brexit over and over to myself and see if a number magically appears at some point.

Okay, please forgive my stupidity here as obviously being an Irish citizen I am removed from all this.

When you say "how much should we pay" ... is this penalty clauses (as such) or whatever for removing yourselves from the EU or just some kind of notional costs to the economy etc.

[Burney]

Okay, please forgive my stupidity here as obviously being an Irish citizen I am removed from all this.

When you say "how much should we pay" ... is this penalty clauses (as such) or whatever for removing yourselves from the EU or just some kind of notional costs to the economy etc.

No. There is absolutely no official mechanism that requires us to pay any price for leaving the EU. We accept, however, that we have an obligation to pay for those projects or aspects of the EU to which we committed prior to the vote to Leave. The EU is obviously trying to get us to pay as much as possible, while we are trying to pay as little as possible. It's just haggling, basically.

[Peter]

No. There is absolutely no official mechanism that requires us to pay any price for leaving the EU. We accept, however, that we have an obligation to pay for those projects or aspects of the EU to which we committed prior to the vote to Leave. The EU is obviously trying to get us to pay as much as possible, while we are trying to pay as little as possible. It's just haggling, basically.

Why dont we just tell them to **** off? I cannot see a problem with this at all.