1/
I'm an passionate Remainer. But this has to be said:
May's deal gives the EU27 everything they want. And although that benefits me personally, as a Briton I cannot feel happy about Brexiters having manouvred my homeland into such a subservient position.
I'm an passionate Remainer. But this has to be said:
May's deal gives the EU27 everything they want. And although that benefits me personally, as a Briton I cannot feel happy about Brexiters having manouvred my homeland into such a subservient position.
2/
In the clear light of day, the EU have out-pokered us completely. Which is not surprising, considering they are some of the best negotiaters in the world. Indeed, we became the 5th largest economy on the back of such negotiators. But Brexiters thought they could do it better.
In the clear light of day, the EU have out-pokered us completely. Which is not surprising, considering they are some of the best negotiaters in the world. Indeed, we became the 5th largest economy on the back of such negotiators. But Brexiters thought they could do it better.
3/
So what have the EU27 won?
Well, they've got rid of a somewhat troublesome UK, while at the same time continuing to have unfettered access to our markets. Far from German car makers or Italian Prosecco producers coming to our rescue, we've handed them our markets on a plate.
So what have the EU27 won?
Well, they've got rid of a somewhat troublesome UK, while at the same time continuing to have unfettered access to our markets. Far from German car makers or Italian Prosecco producers coming to our rescue, we've handed them our markets on a plate.
4/
Thanks to Brexiter incompetence, the EU27 have also trapped us into an almost permanent loop-tape of transition, where we have no option but to accept EU regulations and rules while having no say in them ... A situation which will only end when/if an FTA replaces transition.
Thanks to Brexiter incompetence, the EU27 have also trapped us into an almost permanent loop-tape of transition, where we have no option but to accept EU regulations and rules while having no say in them ... A situation which will only end when/if an FTA replaces transition.
5/
But the problem is, the speed of FTA negotiations can be dictated by the EU27 too! Theoretically, transition could be permanently extended for 5-10 years. And although UK would benefit from the SM & CU during that time, it would ultimately destroy our international reputation.
But the problem is, the speed of FTA negotiations can be dictated by the EU27 too! Theoretically, transition could be permanently extended for 5-10 years. And although UK would benefit from the SM & CU during that time, it would ultimately destroy our international reputation.
6/
May's deal will make us an ongoing laughing stock, an emasculated poodle, a modern day Caractacus paraded through the streets in chains. And worst of all, we'd have no one to blame for our neverending humiliation but ourselves.
May's deal will make us an ongoing laughing stock, an emasculated poodle, a modern day Caractacus paraded through the streets in chains. And worst of all, we'd have no one to blame for our neverending humiliation but ourselves.
7/
Leaving the EU is easy. But leaving the EU while continuing to enjoy the massive benefits of EU membership is impossible. That was the basic truism which Brexiters always refused to accept. And because of that, we cannot blame the EU27 for having completely outplayed us.
Leaving the EU is easy. But leaving the EU while continuing to enjoy the massive benefits of EU membership is impossible. That was the basic truism which Brexiters always refused to accept. And because of that, we cannot blame the EU27 for having completely outplayed us.
8/
The EU27 represent over 430 million people. It was their duty to fight for those citizens. Brexiters, and in particular May, lost the moment they made ending Freedom of Movement for Workers their number one red line. Because as the EU told us, the 4 Freedoms are indivisible.
The EU27 represent over 430 million people. It was their duty to fight for those citizens. Brexiters, and in particular May, lost the moment they made ending Freedom of Movement for Workers their number one red line. Because as the EU told us, the 4 Freedoms are indivisible.
9/
By insisting that everything had to be subordinated to ending FOM for Workers, Brexiters sacrificed the UK's future upon their own altar of xenophobia. By prioritising their fear of immigration, they sabotaged any chance of a workable deal for either manufacturing or services.
By insisting that everything had to be subordinated to ending FOM for Workers, Brexiters sacrificed the UK's future upon their own altar of xenophobia. By prioritising their fear of immigration, they sabotaged any chance of a workable deal for either manufacturing or services.
10/
Brexit xenophobia and the EU's Four Freedoms were always going to be incompatible. So from the beginning, it was always going to be a question of who needed who most. Well, we now have the answer to that. We need the EU more than the EU needs us.
Brexit xenophobia and the EU's Four Freedoms were always going to be incompatible. So from the beginning, it was always going to be a question of who needed who most. Well, we now have the answer to that. We need the EU more than the EU needs us.
11/
May's deal is not really a deal. It's an admission of reality. Without the EU we are lost. Some Brexiters are still in denial about that. Others refuse to admit it for ulterior motives. But for the vast majority the evidence is clear: We're less than Brexiters thought we were
May's deal is not really a deal. It's an admission of reality. Without the EU we are lost. Some Brexiters are still in denial about that. Others refuse to admit it for ulterior motives. But for the vast majority the evidence is clear: We're less than Brexiters thought we were
12/
So what do we do now? No one who cares for the UK can accept May's deal. If transition ever comes to an end, it spells the breakup of the UK. And if it never comes to an end, it makes us a permanent rule taker rather than a rule maker. So we have to make a simple choice:
So what do we do now? No one who cares for the UK can accept May's deal. If transition ever comes to an end, it spells the breakup of the UK. And if it never comes to an end, it makes us a permanent rule taker rather than a rule maker. So we have to make a simple choice:
13/x
Do we want to leave the EU with no deal and risk political, social and economic turmoil, or do we want to lock our xenophobia back in Pandora's box and remain in the EU?
If so, then we need to revoke Article 50 either through a parliamentary vote now or after a #PeoplesVote
Do we want to leave the EU with no deal and risk political, social and economic turmoil, or do we want to lock our xenophobia back in Pandora's box and remain in the EU?
If so, then we need to revoke Article 50 either through a parliamentary vote now or after a #PeoplesVote
