Hard Brexit #BriFri
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I understand Brexit, but I’ve seen a term in headlines in the last week or two that I didn’t understand, “hard Brexit.” It’s time for a bit of research….
Hard Brexit means a firm break with the European Union. By the end of the process, the UK would have a similar relationship to the European Union as the US. That is, there would be a negotiated trade deal (complete with tariffs) and there would be no free movement between the UK and the European Union — travelers in both directions would pass through an international arrivals process with visa restrictions on how long they can stay.
A softer form of Brexit might include reduced tariffs or no tariffs on certain types of goods flowing between the UK and the EU. In return, the UK might design a smoother process for EU migrants to obtain work permits than for other foreigners. This BBC article was very helpful in its discussion of what possible softer options might be available: Brexit: What are the options?
Of course, what the UK wants may be a moot point. At the bottom of the BBC article, there’s a lovely image of a Union Jack cupcake to represent that they want to have their cake and eat it, too. Here’s yesterday’s headline from the Independent: Hard Brexit or no Brexit are only options, says EU council president. Donald Tusk, EU Council President, picked up on the cake metaphor: “There will be no cakes on the table for anyone. There will be only salt and vinegar.”
Are you keeping up with Brexit news? Do you want cake now? We ate lots of wonderful cake during our visit to England and, right now, I’m wishing for a beautiful slice of cake and that people in my favorite places to travel were getting along with each other better.
I’m glad you posted that link, I will be reading more on Hard Brexit. I know folks who are Welsh and retired to France, this wasn’t a popular vote for them at all. Same with some of my English blogging friends. As a matter of fact, I haven’t been in contact with anyone who liked the result of this vote.
By the way, you mentioned the phrase ticket-boo a few posts back….that phrase was used in the last Tana French book. Hadn’t heard it before your post and then there it was!
I’m so sorry I can’t play along today Joy, no British Isles Friday post for me this week!
Yes, I think the Brits do want both. They want continued trading, but none of the migrants. Hope it all works out so friends living in France don’t feel the pain too much.
Don’t believe all you hear about ‘Brexit’ being mainly about controlling immigration – though total freedom of movement, however great an ideal, is actually unsustainable. ‘Brexit’ is also about sovereignty and the view that the EC simply isn’t working, will not change and, in fact, has mixed objectives. Anyway, given that 14th October 2016 is the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, without which we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation – and certainly not in English – I thought you might appreciate a bit about that momentus event. I trust all is tickety-boo over there..!
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