The UK was a member of the EU (and its precursor) for 17,196 days.
For 17,196 days, we had the full might of the EU's experienced negotiating team on our side.
Nobody in our government has ever known any other way. So they are utterly unprepared for an adversarial relationship.
For 17,196 days, we had the full might of the EU's experienced negotiating team on our side.
Nobody in our government has ever known any other way. So they are utterly unprepared for an adversarial relationship.
The EU for its part are not being vindictive or punitive or in any way unfair.
They are simply treating us as exactly what we became on 31 January: a third country, outside the EU family of member nations.
Some regrets, absolutely. But little sentimentality. Just pragmatism.
They are simply treating us as exactly what we became on 31 January: a third country, outside the EU family of member nations.
Some regrets, absolutely. But little sentimentality. Just pragmatism.
Understand that, and everything they are saying and doing makes 100% perfect sense.
Fail to grasp it, and you are guaranteed disaster.
Fail to grasp it, and you are guaranteed disaster.
It's like the first time the star football player on your team - who also happens to be the best footballer in the world - faces you across the pitch, having joined your long-time rival.
