It’s difficult to escape the conclusion that whatever agreements are made between now and the 29th of March 2019, the date marking the official exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, a “Hard Brexit” outcome is all but inevitable. London appears unable to articulate or agree a sensible way forward with Brussels (let alone all the other capitals in the Continental bloc) leaving a chaotic fudge – or series of interlinked fudges – as the only way out of the present impasse.
Forget speaking the same language, neither side in the Brexit talks any longer believes what the other is saying.
Michel Barnier, the European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator, traveled to London Monday asking for clarity about the U.K.’s objectives, but left disappointed…
But, if Brussels does not believe London, the feeling is mutual.
According to a senior U.K. government figure familiar with Monday’s tête-à-tête, Barnier was left in no doubt about the government’s determination to leave the customs union…
With the government of Britain riven by factionalism, and prime minister Theresa May staying in power on the sufferance of a xenophobic cabal of right-wing ministers and backbench MPs, not to mention the allied ultra-right Democratic Unionist Party, no clear-cut treaties are likely to emerge from the ongoing talks with London.
At best, we are looking at a messy, bitter separation and a regional post-Brexit “cold split” between the UK and EU for decades to come.
AN SIONNACH FIONN 
You may well be right Seamas – but what of northern ireland?
LikeLike
It seems the EU is intent on keeping it within the customs union, if recent reports are correct.
LikeLike
But surely, isn’t “Britain’s difficulty, Ireland’s opportunity” as ever?
Look on the bright side. When all this eventually pans out and the dust finally settles, we might well end up with :
1. A United Ireland;
2. An Independent Scotland;
3. An England obliged to (re?)-join the EU with few if any opt-outs. No more ‘special treatment’ just an ordinary member state.
So what’s not to like?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, but it’s the panning process that we need to worry about. The potential for mayhem is pretty high between now and then.
LikeLike
Someone sent me this link a few days ago, perhaps because I don’t have the telly. If Ms Soubry is anything to go by the tory entertainment is not over yet. My apologies if you have all seen this before now.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10155321577716200&id=260212261199
LikeLike
Yep, that was fun. Tory factions at each others throats is one benefit of Brexit. Until Moggites emerge victorious.
LikeLike
Sir, your map omits the six counties from Blighty. I remain, Yours Outraged, Gen Sir Ciaran J Goggins-O’Brien-Cafferty-Kelly-MacDermott-MacMahon-Reilly-Ward V.C and bar.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A long due economic kick in the arse to England and their delusions of Empire, the Indians told May last year they want more visa deals to the UK and the media there never mention that option, The Organisation for African Unity told them that they will not be exploited as in the past for trade deals. European united is a stronger hand than divided England with the Tories at war with themselves .
LikeLike
Yes, the Commonwealth obsession might come back and bite the Ukippers on the ass.
LikeLike