The Brexit Thread

[tabascoboy]

Seems a bit extreme.

"Yes, it hurt; yes, it worked"

[Rinkals]

Build Back Bitter !

The price of beer in the UK is set to rise by 30p, even before any changes to the alcohol duty rate in Rishi Sunak’s autumn Budget.

More than eight in 10 pubs have already raised prices or plan to do so due to increased wages, issues around staff shortages and the ongoing energy and supply crisis, The Times reported.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/busi ... 40891.html

These "very considerable upsides", the Brexit bulldog promised, just keep on coming.

At least the sky hasn't fallen in!

Just looking at Liz Truss' Australia deal. The UK is over a barrel, I'm afraid.

[Tichtheid]

I won't post the tweets but there are some Irish lads having a joke at Farage's expense, someone got him to say "Up the RA" in a birthday greeting (which he sells for £80 a pop) and then he wished "Gerald" a happy birthday, the Gerald in question is Gerry Adams and Farage signs off with “Tiocfaidh ár lá”, an Irish Republican slogan which translates as “Our day will come”

[Paddington Bear]

In the end though he's utterly shameless and still gets his £80

[fishfoodie]

I don't think it made the media in the UK; but there has been a bit of a bruhaha in Ireland about a commemoration of the creation of NI; i.e. Partition, an event that led to a Civil war in the Republic !

It initially, was an multi-denomination event, organized by the Churches; to which the Irish President was invited; but Micheal D, isn't stupid; especially as the invitation was crafted in a way which suggested a ""Unionist" agenda was at play; so he asked for advice from the Government. The advice was that the DUP were going to hijack the event, so he politely declined the invitation.

The DUP then threw a strop, & claimed that because the Queen was also invited, this was insult; & they said the decision was Political (irony not being a strong point of the DUP). Eventually the Irish Government agreed to send a representative; I think it'll probably be Coveney, & that was that, as far as the Irish Government was concerned.

..... and today; the Queen has let the swivel headed loons know, that she won't be attending their little triumphalist garden party, because she's understandably gotten medical advice to take some time off.

I wonder will the conspiracy theories now start ?

[Tichtheid]

In the end though he's utterly shameless and still gets his £80

Well, if eighty quid is what it costs to expose him as being inept and completely unqualified to talk about the EU and Ireland then it's probably worth every penny.

He was on Irish tv where he was pulled up about the "Up the 'RA" shout out and proceeded to blether on about Independence for Ireland and "why did you fight the British for 500 years?"

The man is a fool, but like other arch Brexiteers he is not happy with the state the UK finds itself in, he is determined to try and bring others down with the UK

[Tichtheid]

I don't think it made the media in the UK; but there has been a bit of a bruhaha in Ireland about a commemoration of the creation of NI; i.e. Partition, an event that led to a Civil war in the Republic !

It initially, was an multi-denomination event, organized by the Churches; to which the Irish President was invited; but Micheal D, isn't stupid; especially as the invitation was crafted in a way which suggested a ""Unionist" agenda was at play; so he asked for advice from the Government. The advice was that the DUP were going to hijack the event, so he politely declined the invitation.

The DUP then threw a strop, & claimed that because the Queen was also invited, this was insult; & they said the decision was Political (irony not being a strong point of the DUP). Eventually the Irish Government agreed to send a representative; I think it'll probably be Coveney, & that was that, as far as the Irish Government was concerned.

..... and today; the Queen has let the swivel headed loons know, that she won't be attending their little triumphalist garden party, because she's understandably gotten medical advice to take some time off.

I wonder will the conspiracy theories now start ?

I see the DUP are in decline

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news ... 96481.html

[fishfoodie]

I don't think it made the media in the UK; but there has been a bit of a bruhaha in Ireland about a commemoration of the creation of NI; i.e. Partition, an event that led to a Civil war in the Republic !

It initially, was an multi-denomination event, organized by the Churches; to which the Irish President was invited; but Micheal D, isn't stupid; especially as the invitation was crafted in a way which suggested a ""Unionist" agenda was at play; so he asked for advice from the Government. The advice was that the DUP were going to hijack the event, so he politely declined the invitation.

The DUP then threw a strop, & claimed that because the Queen was also invited, this was insult; & they said the decision was Political (irony not being a strong point of the DUP). Eventually the Irish Government agreed to send a representative; I think it'll probably be Coveney, & that was that, as far as the Irish Government was concerned.

..... and today; the Queen has let the swivel headed loons know, that she won't be attending their little triumphalist garden party, because she's understandably gotten medical advice to take some time off.

I wonder will the conspiracy theories now start ?

I see the DUP are in decline

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news ... 96481.html

They're a busted flush.

Brexit showed they weren't a Political party, with policies, & goals, they could lay before the electorate, & tell them that this was what they wanted. The DUP are only against things; that isn't enough anymore in NI, now the killing has stopped.

The Unionists that care more about Flags, & bonfires, have gone to the TUV; & the Unionists that care that their hospitals, & surgeries are the worst funded in the UK, will go to the UUP or Alliance. The DUP are the ones that caused this existential crisis for Unionists in NI, & people know it.

[Paddington Bear]

It initially, was an multi-denomination event, organized by the Churches; to which the Irish President was invited; but Micheal D, isn't stupid; especially as the invitation was crafted in a way which suggested a ""Unionist" agenda was at play; so he asked for advice from the Government. The advice was that the DUP were going to hijack the event, so he politely declined the invitation.

Did you actually read the invitation he received? He had to admit he'd made up some of his excuses for non-attendance.

[Uncle fester]

I don't think it made the media in the UK; but there has been a bit of a bruhaha in Ireland about a commemoration of the creation of NI; i.e. Partition, an event that led to a Civil war in the Republic !

It initially, was an multi-denomination event, organized by the Churches; to which the Irish President was invited; but Micheal D, isn't stupid; especially as the invitation was crafted in a way which suggested a ""Unionist" agenda was at play; so he asked for advice from the Government. The advice was that the DUP were going to hijack the event, so he politely declined the invitation.

The DUP then threw a strop, & claimed that because the Queen was also invited, this was insult; & they said the decision was Political (irony not being a strong point of the DUP). Eventually the Irish Government agreed to send a representative; I think it'll probably be Coveney, & that was that, as far as the Irish Government was concerned.

..... and today; the Queen has let the swivel headed loons know, that she won't be attending their little triumphalist garden party, because she's understandably gotten medical advice to take some time off.

I wonder will the conspiracy theories now start ?

I see the DUP are in decline

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news ... 96481.html

They're a busted flush.

Brexit showed they weren't a Political party, with policies, & goals, they could lay before the electorate, & tell them that this was what they wanted. The DUP are only against things; that isn't enough anymore in NI, now the killing has stopped.

The Unionists that care more about Flags, & bonfires, have gone to the TUV; & the Unionists that care that their hospitals, & surgeries are the worst funded in the UK, will go to the UUP or Alliance. The DUP are the ones that caused this existential crisis for Unionists in NI, & people know it.

There's reenactments of the B Specials now.
Come on lads. You're not even pretending now.

[Uncle fester]

It initially, was an multi-denomination event, organized by the Churches; to which the Irish President was invited; but Micheal D, isn't stupid; especially as the invitation was crafted in a way which suggested a ""Unionist" agenda was at play; so he asked for advice from the Government. The advice was that the DUP were going to hijack the event, so he politely declined the invitation.

Did you actually read the invitation he received? He had to admit he'd made up some of his excuses for non-attendance.

The title thing?
He was referring to the DUP public statements re the issue, not the invite itself, not that papers bothered to clarify until after.

(Have assumed you're responding in good faith. If you're not, don't bother replying)

[Paddington Bear]

Was in good faith and was vaguely following so missed the back and forth with the DUP

[Uncle fester]

Was in good faith and was vaguely following so missed the back and forth with the DUP

DUP kept referring to him as "President of Republic of Ireland" in their statements and he corrected that in the general run of responding about the invite so the two got conflated.
He probably should have been clearer but likewise, the press should have checked the invite themselves and asked for clarification before running stories implying that the invite itself referred to an incorrect title.
MDH declined an invite for a 1916 event in Belfast also so it's not like he's in bed with Shinners either.

There's a worthwhile debate to be had re how much we in the south should humour the fleg stuff up north.
For example, should MDH attend an Orange march in July if invited? Rossnowlagh maybe but a Garvahy road, no flipping way.

[Insane_Homer]

Awesome News - Brexit progress UK - NZ trade deal done and dusted. Well done Lizzy!

The Department for International Trade’s internal assessment, the deal at most would boost the UK economy by 0.01%

- In another scenario, it would make the UK poorer by 0.01%

[Lobby]

Awesome News - Brexit progress UK - NZ trade deal done and dusted. Well done Lizzy!

The Department for International Trade’s internal assessment, the deal at most would boost the UK economy by 0.01%

- In another scenario, it would make the UK poorer by 0.01%

Never mind that, the most important part of this deal is that it includes a commitment from the UK to protect New Zealand’s iconic haka, Ka Mate. This means that if Matt Dawson takes part in another ghastly parody of the haka, he could be arrested. I think we can all agree that everyone wins.

[fishfoodie]

Was in good faith and was vaguely following so missed the back and forth with the DUP

DUP kept referring to him as "President of Republic of Ireland" in their statements and he corrected that in the general run of responding about the invite so the two got conflated.
He probably should have been clearer but likewise, the press should have checked the invite themselves and asked for clarification before running stories implying that the invite itself referred to an incorrect title.
MDH declined an invite for a 1916 event in Belfast also so it's not like he's in bed with Shinners either.

There's a worthwhile debate to be had re how much we in the south should humour the fleg stuff up north.
For example, should MDH attend an Orange march in July if invited? Rossnowlagh maybe but a Garvahy road, no flipping way.

He couldn't even attend a ceremony, without fucking it up

Next up the aisle (not for the first time) came Boris Johnson. When he got out of his car, a female aide rushed over and stuffed a lanyard back in his pocket while swiftly tucking in his shirt.

He made his stately progress towards his place on the red velvet cushioned pews in the front, across the way from the Irish politicians. And there it was – no doubt greeted with cries of vindication across the land and a wee smile from Michael D – a small but very visible union flag on the prime minister’s black face mask.

That little flag

In what was a very, very carefully planned, non-political event, that little flag stuck out like a sore thumb.

Clearly, nobody showed Boris the memo about “no emblems in the workplace”. That directive is a familiar one to workers in Northern Ireland.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland ... -1.4707368

As anyone will tell you; flags are fucking toxic in NI; but apparently, whoever is supposed to stop the clot from fucking up, didn't bother asking anyone.

[Sandstorm]

Was in good faith and was vaguely following so missed the back and forth with the DUP

DUP kept referring to him as "President of Republic of Ireland" in their statements and he corrected that in the general run of responding about the invite so the two got conflated.
He probably should have been clearer but likewise, the press should have checked the invite themselves and asked for clarification before running stories implying that the invite itself referred to an incorrect title.
MDH declined an invite for a 1916 event in Belfast also so it's not like he's in bed with Shinners either.

There's a worthwhile debate to be had re how much we in the south should humour the fleg stuff up north.
For example, should MDH attend an Orange march in July if invited? Rossnowlagh maybe but a Garvahy road, no flipping way.

He couldn't even attend a ceremony, without fucking it up

Next up the aisle (not for the first time) came Boris Johnson. When he got out of his car, a female aide rushed over and stuffed a lanyard back in his pocket while swiftly tucking in his shirt.

He made his stately progress towards his place on the red velvet cushioned pews in the front, across the way from the Irish politicians. And there it was – no doubt greeted with cries of vindication across the land and a wee smile from Michael D – a small but very visible union flag on the prime minister’s black face mask.

That little flag

In what was a very, very carefully planned, non-political event, that little flag stuck out like a sore thumb.

Clearly, nobody showed Boris the memo about “no emblems in the workplace”. That directive is a familiar one to workers in Northern Ireland.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland ... -1.4707368

As anyone will tell you; flags are fucking toxic in NI; but apparently, whoever is supposed to stop the clot from fucking up, didn't bother asking anyone.

Maybe they hoped one of the more aggressive locals would blow him up.

[fishfoodie]

DUP kept referring to him as "President of Republic of Ireland" in their statements and he corrected that in the general run of responding about the invite so the two got conflated.
He probably should have been clearer but likewise, the press should have checked the invite themselves and asked for clarification before running stories implying that the invite itself referred to an incorrect title.
MDH declined an invite for a 1916 event in Belfast also so it's not like he's in bed with Shinners either.

There's a worthwhile debate to be had re how much we in the south should humour the fleg stuff up north.
For example, should MDH attend an Orange march in July if invited? Rossnowlagh maybe but a Garvahy road, no flipping way.

He couldn't even attend a ceremony, without fucking it up

Next up the aisle (not for the first time) came Boris Johnson. When he got out of his car, a female aide rushed over and stuffed a lanyard back in his pocket while swiftly tucking in his shirt.

He made his stately progress towards his place on the red velvet cushioned pews in the front, across the way from the Irish politicians. And there it was – no doubt greeted with cries of vindication across the land and a wee smile from Michael D – a small but very visible union flag on the prime minister’s black face mask.

That little flag

In what was a very, very carefully planned, non-political event, that little flag stuck out like a sore thumb.

Clearly, nobody showed Boris the memo about “no emblems in the workplace”. That directive is a familiar one to workers in Northern Ireland.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland ... -1.4707368

As anyone will tell you; flags are fucking toxic in NI; but apparently, whoever is supposed to stop the clot from fucking up, didn't bother asking anyone.

Maybe they hoped one of the more aggressive locals would blow him up.

They're mostly decommissioned. The worst he'll get these days is a particularly savage mural, on some gable in the Bogside

[Sandstorm]

A grammar error in it will blow his mind.

[fishfoodie]

Mr Coveney said that if the UK did suspend parts of the Northern Ireland deal it would be "deliberately forcing a breakdown in relationships and negotiation between the two sides".

He linked that to the wider UK-EU deal, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

Either side can give 12 months notice that they intend to terminate the TCA.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-59198125

This is interesting on a few levels.

The UK is clearly showing their intent; & not offering anything in the way of proposal, & counter-proposal; which now looks like a big mistake; because if they did at least pretend to engage; they'd have a better chance of making the EU look like the bad guys. But if the EU are being flexible; & the UK is just adding on demands then any reasonable observer is going to conclude that the UK are the problem.

Now if the UK triggers article 16; as everyone suspects; then the EU can go to Court; but that will take years; & the bumblecunt doesn't give a shit.

But.

If the EU says; fuck you, & the horse you rode in on; you clearly negotiated the CTA in bad faith; as evidenced by this; this; & this ... & we have honestly engaged ... then a far as we are concerned; the CTA is null & void; & we're going to respond, immediately; in kind to your Article 16; & start the; much faster; process of terminating the entire CTA.

The UK might have a foretaste of the future this Christmas; but if the EU start the process in the next week or two; then Christmas 2022, after the UK reverts to the' "No Deal/WTO Terms"; that will not be a pleasant state of affairs; & it'll only happen after a year of Businesses having to deal with the EU making life as miserable as possible for them; & maybe putting 40% tariffs on cars; or whatever; & that's just the prelude to the main event; when the UK goes WTO, & the tariff are on everything .....

[tabascoboy]

^ Feels more and more like a distraction exercise from their own sleaze, corruption issues, not that the current situation is ideal - far from it. Needs to be worked out with negotiation and compromise on both sides.

[dpedin]

^ Feels more and more like a distraction exercise from their own sleaze, corruption issues, not that the current situation is ideal - far from it. Needs to be worked out with negotiation and compromise on both sides.

I think there is a bit of distraction but at the end of the day it is all about the Blonde Bumblecunt and Frost having no intention of sticking to an international agreement that they themselves signed on behalf of the UK. It was always their intention to renege on the agreement once they had got into power and got 'Brexit done'. I can't work out the balance between arrogance and ignorance that makes them think they could do this without the EU and the US spoiling their party and putting the UK and the GFA at incredible risk. If the twats go down the Article 16 route then the EU will play hardball and the queues will form on the M2 overnight. The UK will be fucked within 6 months and there will be huge risks with the US and there will be bombs and riots again in NI. The credibility of the UK will be in shreds, if it is not already.

I can't really work out what their long game is? Is it all for the disaster/venture capitalists to make big profits and asset strip the UK? The Blonde Bumblecunt biggest disaster was coming out pro Brexit - whilst he might have used it to become PM, which was probably his only real ambition, surely anyone would have known it was also a huge suicidal hospital pass to win the Brexit vote and to have to actually implement it? There is no good outcome for Brexit so surely minimising damage rather than going all in with a Queen high hand is political suicide? Cynically I suspect by the time the damage is done BB will have had his huge payoff, paid off wife no4, and will be lounging in some mansion in the Caribbean owned by his mates, getting pissed and shagging the housemaid.

[petej]

^ Feels more and more like a distraction exercise from their own sleaze, corruption issues, not that the current situation is ideal - far from it. Needs to be worked out with negotiation and compromise on both sides.

I think there is a bit of distraction but at the end of the day it is all about the Blonde Bumblecunt and Frost having no intention of sticking to an international agreement that they themselves signed on behalf of the UK. It was always their intention to renege on the agreement once they had got into power and got 'Brexit done'. I can't work out the balance between arrogance and ignorance that makes them think they could do this without the EU and the US spoiling their party and putting the UK and the GFA at incredible risk. If the twats go down the Article 16 route then the EU will play hardball and the queues will form on the M2 overnight. The UK will be fucked within 6 months and there will be huge risks with the US and there will be bombs and riots again in NI. The credibility of the UK will be in shreds, if it is not already.

I can't really work out what their long game is? Is it all for the disaster/venture capitalists to make big profits and asset strip the UK? The Blonde Bumblecunt biggest disaster was coming out pro Brexit - whilst he might have used it to become PM, which was probably his only real ambition, surely anyone would have known it was also a huge suicidal hospital pass to win the Brexit vote and to have to actually implement it? There is no good outcome for Brexit so surely minimising damage rather than going all in with a Queen high hand is political suicide? Cynically I suspect by the time the damage is done BB will have had his huge payoff, paid off wife no4, and will be lounging in some mansion in the Caribbean owned by his mates, getting pissed and shagging the housemaid.

There isn't a long game. Johnson is purely reactive, particularly to what the rightwing press is saying. UK's politics are primarily theatrical rather than practical. Continuous distraction to overwhelm and make things murky. Even at an international event like COP26 bits of his speech* are focused at his mostly retired semi-senile voters.

*He ought to be paying Rik Mayall's estate a fortune for being a shit Alan B'stard tribute act.

[Hal Jordan]

I think Johnson based his pro-Brexit stance based on Leave losing, so he could then position himself as the anti-EU champion who would fight for our rights, leveraging that into an immediate bid for PM. The look of shock on his face (and that of Gove) after Leave won and they realised that they now actually had to come up with something of substance rather than tubthumping rather told it all.

[dpedin]

Whilst I can accept some of this I don't see what the upside is for him and Frost in triggering article 16 or is it yet another attempted bluff that no-one including the EU believe they will do? They are really shit poker players.

[robmatic]

Whilst I can accept some of this I don't see what the upside is for him and Frost in triggering article 16 or is it yet another attempted bluff that no-one including the EU believe they will do? They are really shit poker players.

Remember these guys had Cummings, with his zero experience of international diplomacy, driving things for a while. Doesn't say much about the Downing Street brains trust.

[TheNatalShark]

Whilst I can accept some of this I don't see what the upside is for him and Frost in triggering article 16 or is it yet another attempted bluff that no-one including the EU believe they will do? They are really shit poker players.

Between the lines of the grace period extensions and effectively an unpoliced border until any suspension or termination of the TCA comes into effect (unlikely EU won't do it by the letter), UKGov may try to change facts on the ground and build narrative of

"Look, the alternative arrangements have worked since we left with effectively little protocol. The single market hasn't imploded due to goods leakage, and hundreds of Irish haven't died as a result of non-EU compliant goods. It's clear our approach works. We don't want a border. The EU doesn't want a border. We have proven no border works with the TCA in place. Any retaliatory measures the EU takes are demonstratively vindicative."

What then? It's a difficult argument for the EU to counter on an immediate facts basis, risk of leakage to continent will be extremely low, a risk price Irish gov may be willing to pay in the medium term as no TCA will have significant impacts, and of course standards would scarcely have changed (if at all) by then.

From domestic audience perspective of course we in the UK public will lap it up. Boris the Messiah, Frost the Visionary.

Then comes the crunch bit between how US and EU react to the narrative. I don't trust the vote leave governments political calculations that the EU won't come to a common agreement or that Biden will buy a "we don't need customs border approach". Given we're talking about players with significant political interest in external border arrangements, never mind that no country on earth shares such a cavalier approach to customs.

[Rinkals]

Whilst I can accept some of this I don't see what the upside is for him and Frost in triggering article 16 or is it yet another attempted bluff that no-one including the EU believe they will do? They are really shit poker players.

Remember these guys had Cummings, with his zero experience of international diplomacy, driving things for a while. Doesn't say much about the Downing Street brains trust.

I see your error.

I have heard reports of Johnson's huge intellect from people who were supposedly with him at Uni, but he doesn't seem anxious to demonstrate it.

Even when he appeared on HIGNFY, he seemed a little out of his intellectual depth.

[fishfoodie]

Whilst I can accept some of this I don't see what the upside is for him and Frost in triggering article 16 or is it yet another attempted bluff that no-one including the EU believe they will do? They are really shit poker players.

Between the lines of the grace period extensions and effectively an unpoliced border until any suspension or termination of the TCA comes into effect (unlikely EU won't do it by the letter), UKGov may try to change facts on the ground and build narrative of

"Look, the alternative arrangements have worked since we left with effectively little protocol. The single market hasn't imploded due to goods leakage, and hundreds of Irish haven't died as a result of non-EU compliant goods. It's clear our approach works. We don't want a border. The EU doesn't want a border. We have proven no border works with the TCA in place. Any retaliatory measures the EU takes are demonstratively vindicative."

What then? It's a difficult argument for the EU to counter on an immediate facts basis, risk of leakage to continent will be extremely low, a risk price Irish gov may be willing to pay in the medium term as no TCA will have significant impacts, and of course standards would scarcely have changed (if at all) by then.

From domestic audience perspective of course we in the UK public will lap it up. Boris the Messiah, Frost the Visionary.

Then comes the crunch bit between how US and EU react to the narrative. I don't trust the vote leave governments political calculations that the EU won't come to a common agreement or that Biden will buy a "we don't need customs border approach". Given we're talking about players with significant political interest in external border arrangements, never mind that no country on earth shares such a cavalier approach to customs.

I think it's significant that the threat to tear up the TCA if the UK won't abide by the NIP; is coming from Irish Politicians.

The Irish have been the ones trying to keep it all together; while the rest of the EU27, were growing increasingly frustrated: & now they're tried of the histrionics from Frost, & the other ERG shitheads; & it's time for the UK to recognize that the TCA & the NIP, are a package; & if the UK won't accept the NIP; they don't get the TCA.

This is Irish Politicians laying out, to Irish people, & Businesses, North & South; what'll happen next year; if Article 16 gets invoked; & the EU decide the TCA isn't worth the candle. The EU stuck with us, & have done all they reasonably could; but; "Perfidious Albion"

[dpedin]

Whilst I can accept some of this I don't see what the upside is for him and Frost in triggering article 16 or is it yet another attempted bluff that no-one including the EU believe they will do? They are really shit poker players.

Between the lines of the grace period extensions and effectively an unpoliced border until any suspension or termination of the TCA comes into effect (unlikely EU won't do it by the letter), UKGov may try to change facts on the ground and build narrative of

"Look, the alternative arrangements have worked since we left with effectively little protocol. The single market hasn't imploded due to goods leakage, and hundreds of Irish haven't died as a result of non-EU compliant goods. It's clear our approach works. We don't want a border. The EU doesn't want a border. We have proven no border works with the TCA in place. Any retaliatory measures the EU takes are demonstratively vindicative."

What then? It's a difficult argument for the EU to counter on an immediate facts basis, risk of leakage to continent will be extremely low, a risk price Irish gov may be willing to pay in the medium term as no TCA will have significant impacts, and of course standards would scarcely have changed (if at all) by then.

From domestic audience perspective of course we in the UK public will lap it up. Boris the Messiah, Frost the Visionary.

Then comes the crunch bit between how US and EU react to the narrative. I don't trust the vote leave governments political calculations that the EU won't come to a common agreement or that Biden will buy a "we don't need customs border approach". Given we're talking about players with significant political interest in external border arrangements, never mind that no country on earth shares such a cavalier approach to customs.

Problem is that the EU is under pressure on its eastern border with Poland et al so I can't see it creating a precedent in Ireland just to satisfy the Blonde Bumblecunt, a few nutters in the DUP and the Brexit Ultras. The protocol is actually working very well north - south and indeed increasingly west - east much to the chagrin of the DUP. Also the EU doesn't need to go full nuclear with TCA to create major problems for the UK, even just stopping a few more lorries and taking a minute or two longer per lorry at Calais will create a huge bottleneck on M2 plus there are still unresolved issues with finance/banking sectors, etc which the UK desperately needs resolved. If industry gets a whiff of emerging problems for the long term between UK and EU and difficulties with the border and trade then they will be off in a shot. The US is still very concerned about the Russian influence in the UK as well as the GFA and will side with the EU in any trade conflict. The Blonde Bumbelcunt and Frost might think they will win a battle but they will get absolutely smashed in the war. No-one trusts them and neither EU nor US would be unhappy with a 'regime change' in the UK, in fact they might push hard for it to happen. They desperately need the end of the right wing 'son of Trump' populist Gov. We really don't hold any cards at all.

[Uncle fester]

What happens though if Brexit-friendly Trump gets back in in 2024?

[Sandstorm]

What happens though if Brexit-friendly Trump gets back in in 2024?

Chlorine chicken and AR15s for everyone!

[dpedin]

What happens though if Brexit-friendly Trump gets back in in 2024?

We are all fecked then, NI will be a minor issue compared to the shitshow that will emerge! Anyway the Blonde Bumblecunt will be gone by then, Carrie will be fed up with him by then and chucked him out.

[petej]

Whilst I can accept some of this I don't see what the upside is for him and Frost in triggering article 16 or is it yet another attempted bluff that no-one including the EU believe they will do? They are really shit poker players.

Remember these guys had Cummings, with his zero experience of international diplomacy, driving things for a while. Doesn't say much about the Downing Street brains trust.

I see your error.

I have heard reports of Johnson's huge intellect from people who were supposedly with him at Uni, but he doesn't seem anxious to demonstrate it.

Even when he appeared on HIGNFY, he seemed a little out of his intellectual depth.

He is very clever with people and theatrics. A very accomplished conman. Him being voted out is about people getting bored with the theatrics and bullshit (also protecting the societal infrastructure so that can happen). It will take a while for the conned to admit they've been conned and reminding them frequently will only slow the process.

If May had done what Johnson has done she would have been hammered by everyone.

The only stuff I've heard from people at school or uni with him is that while very clever he is a massively disorganised and you wouldn't trust him with anything also that he is totally disinterested in anything apart from himself (from somebody international development who was very happy to see the back of Johnson and more recently Raab but Truss is still not a patch on Rory Stewart).

[Rinkals]

^ Thanks.

I have family members who absolutely adore him, and I'm inclined to feel that his appeal, in part, is based on his Television appearances and the illusion of a connection between the viewer and the personality on the screen in your livingroom breeding a familial relationship. My late GF was a fan of "The Apprentice" and had a similar regard (for want of a better word) for Donald Trump. Although, I'm sure that would have dissipated had she been alive to witness his Presidency.

One does wonder what the UK would have been like if Rory Stewart had been elected PM. You cannot think that the current shit show would be happening.

[Biffer]

I don't believe the 'very clever' narrative. It's an in built British deference to the posh accent and upper class background. If he had a Leeds accent and had gone to a comprehensive, and behaved in exactly the same way, he would never have got to where he is. He'd be a sleazy, untrustworthy dead beat dad - which he is, but he'd be represented that way if he was working class.

Boris Johnson represents the worst things about Britain and a substantial part of what is fundamentally wrong with the country.

[tabascoboy]

"Very clever" really doesn't come across in his public persona IMO, I consider that he is wise enough to know his own limitations and as a bluffer has managed to construct a manner and behaviour where those limitations are to a large extent overshadowed by a "lovable buffoon" archetype that has got him where is today. Kind of like the uncle you'd invite to Christmas lunch to keep a happy atmosphere but not someone you'd want to live with all the time.

[dpedin]

The Blonde Bumblecunt is just the latest version of the country squire and landowner who expects the villagers to gratefully doff their caps at hims as he lets them have a half day off work on Christmas Day. I have a classics educated friend who is excoriating about the BB's use of latin and greek and who tells me he fucks up his use classical references to the point of being embarrassing. It doesn't really matter as its the use of a foreign, or in his case dead, language that is deliberate in order to project an image of the 'well clever' amongst the working classes in red wall seats. He is no intellectual giant, no more than the travelling salesman flogging you his snake oil whilst his mates pretending to be his willing customers are getting rich quick schemes behind the scenes.

[petej]

I don't believe the 'very clever' narrative. It's an in built British deference to the posh accent and upper class background. If he had a Leeds accent and had gone to a comprehensive, and behaved in exactly the same way, he would never have got to where he is. He'd be a sleazy, untrustworthy dead beat dad - which he is, but he'd be represented that way if he was working class.

Boris Johnson represents the worst things about Britain and a substantial part of what is fundamentally wrong with the country.

There definitely a deference that drives me nuts in the UK present most strongly in England and the older generations. Also think there is a degree of population wide Stockholm syndrome with the current Tory Party.

[Uncle fester]

Whilst I can accept some of this I don't see what the upside is for him and Frost in triggering article 16 or is it yet another attempted bluff that no-one including the EU believe they will do? They are really shit poker players.

From the outside looking in, they are either winging it or the loose plan all along was to get an agreement "to get Brexit done" and then backtrack it later.

I'd liken it to the difference Irish farmers have dealing with supermarkets.
Tesco will sign a deal that doesn't look too bad but before the ink is dry, they'll be throwing their weight around trying to renege on bits of the contract that don't work for them, while expecting you to keep to your terms.
Aldi/Lidl will absolutely crucify you in the negotiations but once the deal is signed, they will hold to the terms.
Brexit seems to be in a similar vein.