The referendum was quite clear. Leaving the EU means leaving the Single Market ( which includes the Customs Union ) . The two are synonymous.
The whole point of leaving the EU is to:
- Have complete control over our borders
- Remove the jurisdiction of the European Court over the UK
- Avoid making any payments to the EU unless we receive something of equal value in return – and that includes the £50 billion which has been mentioned
- Have the freedom to negotiate our own trade and other agreements with all the countries of the world.
It is important that these requirements are made clear at the outset.
If we do not leave the Single Market then we will not be free to negotiate trade and other agreements with countries around the world.
The terms of trade between the UK and the EU will be decided by the EU. We will not have any say in the matter, so we may as well accept the fact. There is no point arguing. It has been said that you cannot reason with a monkey and trying to do so is a sure sign of madness, although whether that applies here or not is a matter fro conjecture.
We should make it clear to the EU that we believe in free trade as far as possible, but that we are happy to pay the same level of duty to the EU as they choose to pay to us. As long as trade remains in balance, then the British government will receive the same amount in duty on imports that exporters have to pay on exports. The government can then agree to pay the duty on behalf of UK exporters to the EU out of these funds, insofar and for as long as it believes that it is beneficial to the UK to do so. It may even be possible to agree a set off arrangement so that no money actually changes hands until an overall account is periodically drawn up – say every quarter.
The most important aspect then will be the documentation requirements. Ideally an online self certification system with spot checks and penalties where false information is given. This will ensure that the UK does not become a back door to the EU.
The question of the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and those of British citizens living in the EU must not be dealt with on a global basis, but on a case by case basis. Otherwise we are just perpetuating the problem that we cannot deport foreign murderers, rapists and other undesirables.
Clearly, there is no reason why EU citizens who contribute to the UK’s economy and help provide essential services should not be welcome to remain in the UK. It is for the EU countries to decide the fate of British nationals. They have chosen not to live in the UK and so they are of no concern to the UK government as long as their human rights are not breached. Existing EU law should guarantee that without any intervention from the UK.
The most important aspect of the negotiations is that we do not agree anything finally until everything is agreed in principle. One agreement drafted as we go along but only signed at the end.
On the above basis any negotiations should be quick and well natured.
What do you think? Are the EU likely to agree to anything that we want without unacceptable conditions attached, and will they try to trick us into agreeing what they want before even considering what we want? In these circumstances what can we do to get the best for Britain?