Well done Thieves

[Borin' Baggie]

Penny is dropping

BREAKING "Rachel Reeves insists Labour can win political argument for closer relationship with EU, calling it “biggest prize” for UK economic growth"

But for a monumental failure of statecraft we wouldn't be here at all though.

The EU which is seeing growth even lower than ours

Slovenia has a higher median income than the UK.

I think that was based on purchasing power, not full amount, but it's still a valid point.

A new trade union between UK and the EU boosts both sides, and with Canada and Australia sniffing around, it's a complete no brainer for the UK, EU, Canada and Aus/NZ to align closer on economy, defence and migration.  I'd even go as far as having our own version of the G7 without the US being invited.

Canada maybe, Australia's priorities for trade and financial services will always be in the Pacific region owing to geography and time zones which will limit the extent of any economic benefit for trade with Europe - the more important thing really with Australia is defence, intelligence and research, potentially legal services. The same obviously applies to Canada with the US and Mexico but that US is such anantagonistic trade partner.

[SW4Baggie]

Penny is dropping

BREAKING "Rachel Reeves insists Labour can win political argument for closer relationship with EU, calling it “biggest prize” for UK economic growth"

But for a monumental failure of statecraft we wouldn't be here at all though.

The EU which is seeing growth even lower than ours

Slovenia has a higher median income than the UK.

I think that was based on purchasing power, not full amount, but it's still a valid point.

A new trade union between UK and the EU boosts both sides, and with Canada and Australia sniffing around, it's a complete no brainer for the UK, EU, Canada and Aus/NZ to align closer on economy, defence and migration.  I'd even go as far as having our own version of the G7 without the US being invited.

Canada maybe, Australia's priorities for trade and financial services will always be in the Pacific region owing to geography and time zones which will limit the extent of any economic benefit for trade with Europe - the more important thing really with Australia is defence, intelligence and research, potentially legal services. The same obviously applies to Canada with the US and Mexico but that US is such anantagonistic trade partner.

Agree the logistics make Aus/NZ much more difficult, but from a defence and intelligence perspective it makes a lot of sense given there Asian proximity. I guess we could invite the Safas too

[Borin' Baggie]

The EU which is seeing growth even lower than ours

Slovenia has a higher median income than the UK.

I think that was based on purchasing power, not full amount, but it's still a valid point.

A new trade union between UK and the EU boosts both sides, and with Canada and Australia sniffing around, it's a complete no brainer for the UK, EU, Canada and Aus/NZ to align closer on economy, defence and migration.  I'd even go as far as having our own version of the G7 without the US being invited.

Canada maybe, Australia's priorities for trade and financial services will always be in the Pacific region owing to geography and time zones which will limit the extent of any economic benefit for trade with Europe - the more important thing really with Australia is defence, intelligence and research, potentially legal services. The same obviously applies to Canada with the US and Mexico but that US is such anantagonistic trade partner.

Agree the logistics make Aus/NZ much more difficult, but from a defence and intelligence perspective it makes a lot of sense given there Asian proximity. I guess we could invite the Safas too

New Zealand is in China's sphere of influence, I'd be very wary of bringing them into any defence and intelligence compact with Europe, Canada, Japan and Australia beyond what is already in place.

South Africa makes sense for deeper trade relations owing to geography and time zones but they're definitely not the sort of partners for defence and intelligence we should look for unless their political system radically changes - they are far too friendly with Russia.