Don’t let EU punish us
PEDANTRY aside, although the UK joined a Regional Trade Block, the European Economic Community in 1974 under Ted Heath, with a Referendum being held under Harold Wilson in 1975, at no stage has the UK joined anything called a European Union.
Although, on one side, Tony Benn officially warned of the dangers of the UK joining the EEC, particularly the democratic deficit and power grab, Roy Jenkins refused to counter such concerns whilst supporting joining.
Before the EU Referendum, EU policy makers refused to counter the possibility that any signatory would ever leave the EU, and even refused to engage with David Cameron when he embarked on a fool’s tour before the referendum, trying to gain some leverage.
Conversely, EU policymakers, such as Merkel, Juncker and Verhofstadt, remain obsessed over “Ever Closer Union”.
In any event, as the UK prepares to enter negotiations with the EU, the stark reality is LET’S take a walk, You and I. Where the lush purple land, Meets the grey sodden sky. Where sheep roam the hills, Of moss, soft and green. Where Jurassic ferns are king, And heather is queen. Grouse tutting, at being disturbed, take flight, Strong gusts whip at your clothes. In a sheltered hollow, a brook, Where a lone, twisted tree grows. As we steadily climb, Over stones scattered on peat. The constant whistle of the wind, No sound from your feet. A slow worm basking in the seldom rays of sun, that, irrespective of whatever agreement is negotiated, the likelihood is that EU policy makers will veto any agreement, forcing a hard exit onto the UK as a warning against any country deciding to leave the orthodoxy.
However, in parallel with the UK entering into negotiations with the EU27 to leave, the UK We follow narrow ways, dark and steep, Through dips sheltered from the cold and damp. Made by the ever wandering sheep. Moors, stretching, majestic, all around, A pleasure to the eye. As lapwings manoeuvre on the wind, Calling their usual “peewit” cry. To most, harsh and uninviting, So they stay well away. But it is the most amazing place to relax, And always a memorable day. JEFF NEWTON
Stanley may embark on bilateral trade relationships with other nations, as a means of :
a) Safeguarding commercial relationships with our friends in Europe
And b) Safeguarding commercial relationships with existing and future countries outside the EU.
JEWEL STAITE