Eurozone debt crisis
I don't buy the argument that leaving the EU would affect Britain's trade with Europe. We would continue trading with them for as long as it's mutually advantageous IMHO. It's hard to see them slamming the door in our face just to spite us, as they need to do what's right for their economies...
You might find this Channel 4 FactCheck interesting: http://blogs.channel4.com/factcheck/fac ... he-eu/8376
Jeff
You might find this Channel 4 FactCheck interesting: http://blogs.channel4.com/factcheck/fac ... he-eu/8376
Jeff
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superfrank
- Posts: 2762
- Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:28 pm
access to the single market is not going to be a problem, the US have no problems exporting to Europe so, whether we are in or out, it doesn't make a difference (the French are full of sh1t and couldn't impose any kind of trade barriers on their own). our net contribution to the EU would take care of the current trade deficit.
Le snub! Moment Sarkozy dodges Cameron's handshake with a swift body swerve after PM says Non to treaty changes - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... werve.html
Bravo Monsieur Cameron!
If Mr Cameron doesn't back down, I'll be seriously impressed! His definance is reminiscent of Mrs Thatcher at her best! I just hope he doesn't suffer her fate!
Jeff
Bravo Monsieur Cameron!
If Mr Cameron doesn't back down, I'll be seriously impressed! His definance is reminiscent of Mrs Thatcher at her best! I just hope he doesn't suffer her fate!
Jeff
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superfrank
- Posts: 2762
- Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:28 pm
annoying the French is a great indication that you are on the right track. a bit like opposing any economic strategy advocated by Labour or trade unions. great contrary indicators!
If Britain had signed up to a treaty that restricted how big a budget deficit you could have, that could have meant that the austertity measures would have had to be racheted up.
So maybe for the Lib Dems, it was a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea.
It will be hard to see how the Lib Dems will sell themselves to the electorate come the next election, given that they once marketed themselves as staunchly pro-Europe. I'm not sure if the people who voted Lib Dem at the last election know what the party stands for any more...
Jeff
So maybe for the Lib Dems, it was a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea.
It will be hard to see how the Lib Dems will sell themselves to the electorate come the next election, given that they once marketed themselves as staunchly pro-Europe. I'm not sure if the people who voted Lib Dem at the last election know what the party stands for any more...
Jeff
payuppal wrote:Various Lib Dems not in government bleating about it..
But I think Clegg and the leadership realises that there was no alternative...now, where have I heard that phrase before?
That is for sure...It will be hard to see how the Lib Dems will sell themselves to the electorate come the next election, given that they once marketed themselves as staunchly pro-Europe. I'm not sure if the people who voted Lib Dem at the last election know what the party stands for any more...
Does the party?
Thought I'd listen to some suitably rousing music on this historic day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cWz9MrHskk
Jeff
Jeff
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SilentDave
- Posts: 199
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:30 am
We import £32 billion more from Europe than we export to it, so self interest dictates that the rest of Europe will not cut us off the from the single market.
As for being outside the "core" of the EU, Siwtzerland manages to excport twice as much to the EU as Britain and they aren't even in the EU.
What has been agreed shouldn't actually make any difference to the EU anyway, all that has happened is a block of countries have decided to have shared policies on budgets etc. If they want to do that fine but this shouldn't affect the EU as it is currently formed. This is an agreement outside the current framework of the EU. Obviously what happens in practice we will have to wait and see.
All of this is a sideshow anyway as nothing has been done to address the underlying structual issues with the Eurozone. Until the southern european countries like Greece & Spain are out of the Euro and can devalue their currencies they will never be competitive and there is no hope of closing their deficits without growth.
The reaction to this crisis appears to be "let's double down" and have more of what got us into this mess in the first place.
As for being outside the "core" of the EU, Siwtzerland manages to excport twice as much to the EU as Britain and they aren't even in the EU.
What has been agreed shouldn't actually make any difference to the EU anyway, all that has happened is a block of countries have decided to have shared policies on budgets etc. If they want to do that fine but this shouldn't affect the EU as it is currently formed. This is an agreement outside the current framework of the EU. Obviously what happens in practice we will have to wait and see.
All of this is a sideshow anyway as nothing has been done to address the underlying structual issues with the Eurozone. Until the southern european countries like Greece & Spain are out of the Euro and can devalue their currencies they will never be competitive and there is no hope of closing their deficits without growth.
The reaction to this crisis appears to be "let's double down" and have more of what got us into this mess in the first place.