In the dark yet again
01 Jul 2016
Re: Farewell, shipmates! games,You should read some history.FWLIW Winston Churchill was a fully committed European, quite a Francophile. He was massively keen on the EU (well it's predecessors anyway since the great man died while this beast was still an infant). He desperately wanted the UK to get involved right from the very start, constantly dismayed by the UK politicians indifference and arrogance. He was no isolationist, Europe together being the only way forward....... but then he had seen the horrors of two World Wars and a united Europe was the best way to avoid anything similar in the future.He would indeed have hated the 'corruption' and waste and is probably turning in this grave at the Leave vote.Regards,ITDYA
gamesinvestor
01 Jul 2016
Re: Farewell, shipmates! ""What is Germany's trading surplus with the rest of Europe compared to that with the UK? Which is more significant? ""100% the answer is Britain's trade loss to Germany. Germany's trade with the rest of the EU countries will not be enough to prevent an insurrection in Germany if barriers are put in place for Britain. -- I find it hard to understand why this is not obvious.Brexit has changed EVERYTHING --- the concept of the EU is hanging by a thread -- the rules have to change and Britain, and possibly soon Austria and other countries will follow suit can be THE Catalyst for this change. It's absolutely NO coincidence that post Brexit the election in Austria is now going for a recount -- they've known the results for a long time now.If you think about it, if it doesn't change, you will witness another 20 years of relative economic decline across the EU -- it's a monster, a job destroying machine held together by your tax money and deeply corrupt individualsOnly boldness now will win the day. What this country needs in the press, in politics, on forums like this is positive views and belief that this is for the good of the UK for a very long time to come.I have to correct you on the main aspects of Churchill's intent in 3 ways -- 1. He was pro the idea of shared ideas and a free trade activity. 2. He would never have accepted a transition of power and between EU countries and 3. He would NEVER have handed any power over UK law, border control, fisheries (shamefully), agriculture, energy policy or fiscal accountability away from Britain.Churchill will be turning in his grave at the serious situation our very weak politicians (Cameron is very high on that list) have put this country in.The time for meekness and mildness and subservience to this monstrously corrupt organisation are over.Games -- On a sad day looking back on the Somme, the UK can not bend now!
In the dark yet again
01 Jul 2016
Re: Farewell, shipmates! Before I retort, for the record I voted to stay. Yes, the 'corruption' (and wastage) of the EU appalled me but I couldn't see a practical, viable plan for how we go forward, i.e. one that would satisfy the concerns of the Leave campaign, without causing the UK serious financial setbacks - I still can't see it. For me, the 'cure' was worse than the disease.Now the retort.....The above is an EU bureaucrat talking from a formal set of rules (which bureaucrats will always love) but, in reality, anyone can talk to anyone, anytime they like.The EU bureaucrats wouldn't like it and may try to apply pressure on those to whom we choose to speak but they can't stop us talking. Yes, we couldn't formalise any agreements with anyone until the Exit process was complete - that would be in breach of the rules and any agreement could (and would) be struck down by the European Court of Justice - but no one can stop people talking and have something set up and ready to go day 1 after exit.Would the EU talk to us? Of course, that's what the negotiations will be all about in the 1st place. Talks before Article 50 is invoked? Formal or Informal? Informal is probably going on as we speak, maybe only talks about informal talks but people are talking. Formal, no chance, there never was (and any suggestion from the Leave campaign that there would be was just more of their completely unrealistic wishful thinking).Out, yes, we would be a 3rd Country according to the rules so that's what we need to talk about, old fashioned bilateral agreements between 'nations', (the UK and the EU in this case) a process that has gone on (and off) for hundreds of years. Easy, quick, all sweetness and light outcome? I very much doubt. The EU agreement with Canada did actually take much longer than 7 years - they had been talking/lobbying for years before the formal talks started - and the agreement is quite limited; it certainly doesn't cover everything we would consider necessary in a free trade agreement, merely industrial goods and certain fishery and agricultural products. It does not include services, in particular financial services, which is the UK's main 'export' to Europe (and the RoW). It does include access for public procurement meaning both sides can bid for government contracts - there are a few exceptions. This is what the EU wanted out of the deal; yes Canadian companies can bid for EU contracts but it's few and far between but European companies being able to bid on Canadian contracts at all levels was 'pill' the Canadians were forced to swallow.Norway? Anyone who even mentions Norway clearly has no clue (or was deliberately lying to you.) Norway's relationship with the EU is that of almost an 'associate member' if that make any sense. Yes, they have the full free trade access but also full free movement of people both ways. None of the Brexit 'immigration' issues are addressed. Indeed Norway is in many was even more open - it's a member of the Schengen Area meaning passports aren't even needed. It will also accept it's 'fair share' as determined by Brussels of non-EU migrants/refugees, something the UK refused to do with a full Veto threat. It also accepts all the EU laws, recognising the supremacy EU laws to their domestic ones when in conflict yet has no MEPs, no member on the Council and no veto - basically no representation (other than general lobbying in Brussels, just as the RoW do!) so that's not going to satisfy anyone saying we've got no representation, it's undemocratic or we want our country back (or any other such rubbish). Oh.... and they pay in, quite significantly, despite not being members; about 80p per head of population for each £1 the UK currently contributes. Can't see how a 'Norway' kind of agreement satisfies one single person who voted to leave.So yeah, what we can do is limited and the outcome probably not very pretty but...... no one can stop anyone talking even if the EU can stop any agreements b
Hardboy
01 Jul 2016
Re: Farewell, shipmates! It's alright you saying - "These are their rules" but they are the rules we have to abide by while we are members; and we will be members for at least 2 more years. If we say we will not abide by international law because it doesn't suit us, how will that help our negotiating stance with any country.What is Germany's trading surplus with the rest of Europe compared to that with the UK? Which is more significant? I'm not saying you're not right in the logic of the situation; but when 28 countries have agreed a set of rules, it's hard for one to say they are not going to play be those rules. "Bring back Churchill" - less you forget it was Churchill who first put forward the concept of the EU. Our best bet is to become a province of India!
gamesinvestor
01 Jul 2016
Re: Farewell, shipmates! HB -- These are their rules.The game has changed.They can NOT abide by this nonsense any longer or Germany will be in line for a referendum.Merkel's time will be measured in days - not years.I really don't care how long and how ridiculous the trade time took with Norway, Canada, etc etc.The UK's trade deficit with Germany alone of is over £50BN -- this dwarf's any of these other smaller countries.Germany -- forget France because they are fast becoming a complete economic basket case, as is Italy. -- Germany must act or they will see up to 750,000 auto workers at risk.20% of all EU exports from Germany in the auto industry are into the UK and it's much more profitable than any other business they do in Europe.Forget the dogma, forget the fear, forget the history.That is why we need a STRONG man/woman who will STATE the terms of trade and even be prepared to rip up past agreements if the EU plays the fool and tries to slap tariff's on the UK.Negotiation starts when you say NO.Games -- For heavens sake - Bring back Thatcher or Churchill or someone with back bone. What are they going to do if we say no eh -- invade us?
danie
14 Oct 2015
AGM tomorrow expect caution from board me thinks but R and D give opportunites for the future.
