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]

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.

The thought does occur that the 'divorce bill' and the EU's insistence on being bloody minded are crucial instruments for our own government. Let's face it, once we are out the usual excuses of blaming the EU have a shelf life. This is the only transition Westminster really cares about. In the decade after we leave they need an excuse to explain why the economy is ****e, why we are still overrrun by immigrants, why we havent spent any money on the NHS. THe divorce bill is crucial in this.

[Burney]

The thought does occur that the 'divorce bill' and the EU's insistence on being bloody minded are crucial instruments for our own government. Let's face it, once we are out the usual excuses of blaming the EU have a shelf life. This is the only transition Westminster really cares about. In the decade after we leave they need an excuse to explain why the economy is ****e, why we are still overrrun by immigrants, why we havent spent any money on the NHS. THe divorce bill is crucial in this.

In which case, it's pretty idiotic tactically for the EU to dig its heels in so doggedy about it. Because it is they, not us, who have made it a central tenet of negotiations.

[Peter]

In which case, it's pretty idiotic tactically for the EU to dig its heels in so doggedy about it. Because it is they, not us, who have made it a central tenet of negotiations.

Of course. THey are making a show for their member states. Britain must pay, etc. Ultimately its all *******s, on both sides.

[Ash]

The thought does occur that the 'divorce bill' and the EU's insistence on being bloody minded are crucial instruments for our own government. Let's face it, once we are out the usual excuses of blaming the EU have a shelf life. This is the only transition Westminster really cares about. In the decade after we leave they need an excuse to explain why the economy is ****e, why we are still overrrun by immigrants, why we havent spent any money on the NHS. THe divorce bill is crucial in this.

I don't think that the EU has been blamed for the economy being ****e. Though we will of course be able to renationalise the railways and plough state investment into high-tech sectors.

[Peter]

I don't think that the EU has been blamed for the economy being ****e. Though we will of course be able to renationalise the railways and plough state investment into high-tech sectors.

In a roundabout way, they were. Immigration has never been far away from any debate about the economy, employment, benefits etc. Of course in recent years the economy has been overshadowed by a crash that has nothing to do with the EU. That is also running out of shelf life so they will be looking for a new answer.

Looking forward to all those right wing euro sceptics converting to vehement supporters of public sector investment and championing the NHS.

[Ash]

Of course in recent years the economy has been overshadowed by a crash that has nothing to do with the EU. That is also running out of shelf life so they will be looking for a new answer.

Oh, there'll be another crash along soon enough.

[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.