Time is running out for EU to do a good deal with us over Brexit — as Europe risks signing its own death warrant
Even a 'bad' deal would boost prosperity in the UK and by dithering and threatening dire consequences, Europe risks signing its own death warrant, says Trevor Kavanagh
BRUSSELS mandarin Michel Barnier slapped down Boris Johnson last month for telling the EU to “go whistle” for its Brexit blood money.
“I am not hearing any whistling,” sniffed the EU’s haughty chief negotiator. “Just a clock ticking.”
In those chaotic days Britain was reeling from a catastrophic election meltdown. With barely 18 months until B-Day, the Eurocrats seemed to have us at their mercy.
Six weeks later, the picture has changed.
It is clear this lumbering, indecisive bureaucracy has no more idea how to deal with departing Britain than it has of solving the catastrophe of mass immigration.
For one thing, Barnier and flailing Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker cannot find a deal that will suit all our 27 soon-to-be ex-EU partners, even if they want one.
For another, the Commission will not sign up to ANY arrangement which allows Britain to emerge the winner — or even to seem pleased with the outcome.
Unless we are visibly punished and diminished as a world economy, the stampede for the exit by other restless EU states will bring the whole political folly tumbling down.
MOST READ IN OPINION
Realistic neighbours like Germany and Sweden want a smooth, give-and-take deal on free trade which boosts both the European Union and the UK.
Others, like Poland and Malta — our courageous allies in World War Two — are demanding a ransom.
Poland’s economy is growing but not fast enough.
Malta relies on EU money and is run by a Prime Minister who, like his best mate Tony Blair, has a reputation for liking money.
“He is the best Prime Minister money can buy,” snorted a Maltese taxi driver in Gozo last week.
Their intransigence is stymying the Commission’s room for manoeuvre.
Britain may have its own problems tying up the complex loose ends involved in Brexit talks.
But we do have a choice. We can, if forced, simply cut ourselves free and accept the consequences.
That might require some emergency action — not least a sharp, competitive cut in tax rates which would enrage Brussels but boost trade.
Few seriously doubt we can thrive on our own.
There might be some temporary economic turbulence but we would instantly be free to trade with the rest of the world.
We would be back in control.
Polls show the overwhelming majority of British people, including ex-Remainers, would be perfectly happy.
They prefer no deal to a bad deal.
This is largely thanks to Project Fear campaigners George Osborne, Tony Blair and slippery Peter Mandelson shooting themselves in the foot.
Their doom and gloom scare stories have been exposed as pure propaganda by steady economic growth, a booming jobs market and heavyweight foreign investment.
Robust popular support — apparently lost after the June 7 election fiasco — is a surprise shot in the arm for Theresa May’s negotiating position.
The Prime Minister has reportedly returned to the fray refreshed after a three-week break and is ready to bang Cabinet heads together on getting the best for Britain.
Her legacy now depends upon it.
She will be encouraged by forecasts from two of Britain’s most successful and far-sighted economists that a clean, clear Brexit is virtually risk-free.
Roger Bootle won a top prize for charting a way out of Europe’s currency mess and Patrick Minford helped pioneer the 1980s economic revolution which saved Britain going bust.
Together, as The Sun on Sunday revealed yesterday, they insist Britain has little to fear if we hold our nerve. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to raise living standards,” says Bootle.
A friendly deal with open markets would be a boom to both the EU and the UK — with trade continuing to move freely and cheaply across Europe.
Even a “bad” deal would boost prosperity here, they say, with Britain setting the pace on low taxes and less regulation.
In technical jargon, the world is our oyster.
By dithering and threatening dire consequences, Europe risks signing its own death warrant.
Time is running out. The clock is ticking. But it ticks for Brussels, not Britain.
Was cash put before public safety in Barcelona?
BARCELONA was warned weeks ago about terror attacks by Islamist killers but refused to install the bollards that might have prevented carnage.
Officials feared it might spoil the attractiveness of the famous Las Ramblas, one of Europe’s most popular destinations for foreign visitors – and their money.
Angry citizens of Barcelona recently protested about the often drunken hordes inundating their city and pricing locals out of cheap accommodation.
Following last week’s bloodbath, could the burghers of Barcelona be accused of putting cash before public safety?
