In the UK Government’s recent flurry of position papers, (turgid writing, long on ideology and aspirations, very short on practicalities) Theresa May’s administration revealed its position is beyond logic.
It appeared to adhere to a belief system that defies all rationality.
It demonstrated its complete inability to understand, or accept, the consequences of being a “third country”.
Unlike David Davis,
(DD to friends),
the Captain of the Titanic didn’t steer straight towards the iceberg!
What did the EU think?
EU president, Mr Juncker says the UK’s position papers are not “satisfactory” (D-)
“there’s still an enormous amount of issues which remain to be settled. Not just on the border problems regarding Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is a very serious problem in respect of which we’ve had no definitive response, but we also have the status of European citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living on the continent“.
he suggested
“waffle” he thought.
Comment: Mr Juncker should recognise a waffle when he sees one. He’s from Luxembourg, which is right next door to Belgium!
M. Barnier, official negotiator
“We need UK positions on all separation issues. This is necessary to make sufficient progress. We must start negotiating seriously. We need UK papers that are clear in order to have constructive negotiations. And the sooner we remove the ambiguity the sooner we will be in a position to discuss the future relationship and to a transitional period.”
Comment: Toujours la politesse! (D – -)
What did Ireland say?
Mr Coveney, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
“The UK paper two weeks ago put forward two options for future customs arrangements – firstly, a highly streamlined arrangement, and, secondly, a new customs partnership.
The highly streamlined arrangements, with the best will in the world, are unlikely to be streamlined enough. Although we will be starting from the same place, regulations and arrangements will inevitably diverge . . . .”
“The new customs partnership . . . . as currently put forward, could be a logistical nightmare to operate”
This simply doesn’t tally with the UK’s other stated objective of not wishing to undermine the integrity of the Single Market and Customs Union and doing nothing that damages Ireland and our political, social and economic interests“.
The current position of the British government is “unsustainable“.
The British government “essentially is seeking shelter from the European Union and the sunshine on the outside. It wants the best of both worlds, and that is not going to work“.
Remember: Mr Coveney is from Cork, the rebel county. The UK may expect no quarter!
Comment: Fine Gael is not alone in its thinking
” not alone do they want their cake and eat it they think that they have the only recipe for that cake, want to produce the ingredient of their own , prepare and bake it in their own bakery and expect the 27 other EU countries to consume it or take the crumbs from their table“.
So here are the UK songs for Brexit!
And who better to sing them than Queen?
REFS
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