Fantasy of Exit Customs Union, Mimic CU, New CU

White Horse Dinner

Looking at the 'UK Future customs arrangements: a future partnership paper', my first reaction was one of disbelief. It summarises something like this: The UK will leave the EU Customs Union. However, to make a transition easier for business, we will maintain the principles of a the EU Customs Union, but with the right to negotiate trade deals. Then, to maximise the benefits for the UK and the EU in a new trade relationship, we will negotiate a new customs union, which is like the old one but allowing us, the UK, to negotiate new trade deals and under our own laws, not the EU laws. you can check out the full report here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/future-customs-arrangements-a-future-partnership-paper.

Superficially, this appears reassuring to UK business. Advocates of a soft Brexit see it as a vindication of their argument for transition.

The problem is - the EU negotiators and also other EU press already sees this as a fantasy of having your cake and eating it.  The Brexiteer right in the UK sees this as not leaving he EU.

I see this very cynically, as a strategic Hard Brexit move. This is a proposal that is designed to fail, whilst providing the opportunity to put the blame on the EU for rejecting our 'reasonable' argument. Thus sidelining soft Brexiteers and allowing a transition to immediate WTO rules, no matter what the cost.

Don't underestimate the determination of conviction right wing politicians.

President Trump reveals his true feelings by returning to his 'equal blame'argument in response to the violence and deaths at Charlottesville. This occurred in a press conference he held today at the Trump Tower. 

We met up with a long standing family friend in Cambridge for a tea in the Michaelhouse Cafe. We returned to Milton together, awaiting her partner, before going on to the White Horse for an excellent evening meal and conversation.