THE BULLIES OF PARIS AND BERLIN COULD BE IN FOR A BIG SHOCK

ONE more comment and I promise I will shut up. By February 1 we shall really, at last, be out of the EU but trading will not cease.

Yet already President Macron of France and Chancellor Merkel of Germany are seeking to dictate the terms of that trade – entirely their terms. As usual. This time we will be able to answer back and negotiate as a sovereign nation – something that prize pair are simply not accustomed to.

Now, follow the money. For years there have been two economic giants subsidising the other 26 nations of the EU – Germany and Britain. We two have been pouring far more into the EU coffers than we have been drawing out in concessions. Most of the other 26 countries have been nett “takers”. After February that burden falls hugely on Germany.

So, has the docility of the German taxpayer literally no limits? Let’s see.

There is a second danger to the bullies of Paris and Berlin. If we start to clinch stunning new FTAs (free trading agreements) across the world, EU Big Industry, especially German, will see red lights flashing everywhere. Supposing we buy more Japanese cars, fewer German and French ones? More Aussie wine, less French?

It could be the lady of Berlin will find herself facing two insurrections – from her taxpayers and her industrialists. Like our own hardcore Remainers, Macron and Merkel have not realised something: there is a whole long-neglected world out there waiting for us.

So sit back, enjoy Christmas and raise a glass to sovereignty – in all its forms.