James Arnell: Ready on Day One for Brexit 5) Reactions, refinements – and further work
I have said previously that I believe the Government has been pursuing a sensible negotiating approach to date. I maintain that view.
I have said previously that I believe the Government has been pursuing a sensible negotiating approach to date. I maintain that view.
After leaving the EU, we must ensure we are well-positioned in terms of regulation, taxation, immigration and – crucially – foreign languages.
In a no-deal scenario, we must be prepared with a detailed plan which takes into account the trading and regulatory differences between industries.
I would propose that we pay a total of €12 billion as our “divorce bill” – even if there’s no FTA. But subject to three conditions.
Our best chance of getting a deal remains developing a solid, credible alternative plan, and showing that we are prepared to implement it.
It would be the easiest, least disruptive, and most productive way for this country to genuinely leave the EU until we have a bespoke UK-EU deal.
It would be prudent for that to become the presumption. Even if we do end up with a deal, infrastructure improvements will be welcome.
By raising the possibility that EU law could retain its power after March 2019, the Prime Minister risks inflaming the concerns of Leavers.
The architects of Project Fear seem locked into a state of permanent depression about the UK’s future.
“Let us win this argument for a new generation and defend free and open markets with all our might.”
“A society that does not judge you for where you come from or your background or how you live your life provided you do no harm to others that is the syncretic genius of our country.”
Supporters of a new pro-free trade think-tank will be told that Tories are all behind them in principle. But…
Nor will the eventual separation from the EU see a sudden break. Rather, this will be a gradual and partial divergence.
The Prime Minister is right to be optimistic about our future relationship with the EU, but we must be ready for every eventuality.
This way we can secure full Single Market access, rather than settle for a free trade deal that would be suboptimal and take too long to negotiate.