par13del wrote:bananaboy wrote:Bingo. All of this for twenty years or more of "pain" whilst voluntarily giving ourselves less relevance and influence with our closest neighbours, allies and trading partners. This is a colossal waste of time and energy - we had much more serious problems to focus on than this.
Mark
Hmmm.... in the EU quarters some would like to see the back of the UK as they are regarded as the one preventing closer integration, the EU Army, not joining the Euro, Schengen etc etc etc, so when you say loosing relevance, is that in the minds of the UK or actual reality?
The whole Brexit issue is a result of DC trying and failing to get adjustments, indeed some on the EU side say they gave up too much to DC during his travels, so....perhaps reality is not what it seems?
Some probably would and some wouldn't. The desire for closer integration within the EU doesn't seem to be universal. Hard to say but regardless of the above, we have a certain weight within the union if by nothing else than population like, GDP and contribution to the budget. Plus, it must cause concern that once one leaves, it could increase the probability of others wanting to leave. I know we've been a pain (to my frustration) but I can't believe we've been the only member to try the patience of others.
I'd also suggest that the issue of Brexit is actually down to DC putting his party above country.
Still, we are where we are.
Mark