We prefer Canada Plus Plus Plus. But a question could emerge over the next few months: is it a better option than an unmanageable No Deal – or even no Brexit at all?
In the third piece in our mini-series evaluating the EEA, our columnist wonders how both sides managed to become so hostile to moderate concepts.
The UK plus EFTA would have a greater GDP than Germany. As one, we would be the largest economy in Europe.
“Showing a combination of angry rhetoric and then irresolution in the talks has been the worst possible combination.”
Within EFTA, there are already two models of relationship with the EU – the EEA and the Swiss model. There is no reason why there could not be a third.
But she thinks neither will get what they want, hence there being a strong case for joining the EEA and EFTA.
She says “it’s what it delivers that matters”, and talks of need to counter “the factual nonsenses that are being put out there”.
Whatever you think of the latter idea, it can’t fairly be said that, in the minds of a significant tranche of Party members, the door to it is firmly closed.
To shut off consideration of realistic and achievable ways of supporting the Government’s Brexit objectives would be irresponsible.
We don’t need a European solution; we need a global solution. We must think independent Anglosphere, not dependent Eurosphere.
This approach fully honours the referendum result. The UK would leave the EU in a manner that minimises disruption.
In the first of a new mini-series evaluating the EEA, the author of ‘Norway then Canada’ argues the route has been wrongly neglected.