Didn't we invent it? Just like football.

We invent it and then let it slip into the hands of Europeans who corrupt it and marginalised us.

We didn't invent the EU so we have no chance there.

Norway do alright out of it don't they. And by the way it might just be me, but just what eaxctly export wise do we rely on Europe for ?

Seems to me we are massive contributor to the Euro and the rest of Europe are bricking it in case we pull out, that would invetibley lead to house of cards collapsing.

I say get the f*** out of the EU now.

"It's not the bullet that's got my name on it that concerns me; it's all them other ones flyin' around marked 'To Whom It May Concern.'"

and Norway,just like the other EEA countries,has EU free movement of labour...because that's the only "non EU member but getting a favourable trade deal with the EU" package they could get and which (just like we would)they had no choice but to accept because its essential to them...

You ask what we rely on for export-wise re the EU.Well,for one thing,things like Japanese car companies having plants located here because of the guaranteed access to EU markets for the cars...Same applies for us being a desirable European HQ location for many international companies....and that's not to mention the negative effect on our standing as a (the?) major european financial centre if we were out of the EU...

Edited by legaleagle (23 Feb 2016 1.54pm)

This is what Toyota have announced :

[Link]

The impression I get is that too many politicians do not have what it takes to do much beyond just take what they are told. Cameron is pretty much made aware early doors he cannot ask for very much and that is what he does. He knows the deal is only useful for wiping your &rse with but tries to dress it up and include things that already apply or do not change anything now, only prevent things moving further in a direction we haven't agreed, and even that they can still overturn if the EU want to.

His cabinet and front benchers take it. Every one of them acquiescent right to the very end.

The back benchers less so.

Too many go on about what Thatcher would or wouldn't do but you can bet she would be making her feelings very clear compared to going on about getting a good deal, looking sheepish in EU summits and coming back to confirm the deal means diddly squat but try to claim it's a good deal that saves £30mil on child benefit that they'll probably find very difficult to means test/link to home country costs of living, just like the winter fuel allowance and free tv licenses etc.

We've got nothing out of this and he talks about a brake on immigration. Er, the whole point is a brake is wanted now, not maybe, or maybe not more like some time later.

COYP

Norway cannot restrict immigrants. We want to. That is the key difference and fundamental concept of the EU. I am for the exit but I also see that it's going to take more effort than 'here's our stance and that's it.' It's going to take someone with some very stern negotiating skills akin to Thatcher. None of the current lot look capable. Pathetic really.

COYP