Well here we are with the Tories latest step towards the Abyss that is the EU negotiations. Can there actually be anyone left on these islands that cannot see that by far the best way out of this is to tear up section 50 and get back to being a full member of the EU. Even the loony left must now see the madness of this suicidal mission that is Brexit.
There are two sides to the equation here, as far as the leave side goes and they are naturally, diametrically opposing sides. We have the toffs led by Rees Mog whose real objective is to avoid the coming EU legislation to prevent large companies (and individuals) from moving large sums of money through tax havens, to avoid paying the tax which accrues to profits made in member countries, thus depriving these countries of vast amounts of tax revenue. Money which could be spent on poverty alleviating projects. Now let’s be absolutely clear on this and I am directing this to the misguided left-wing elements of the leave conglomerate and I will put it in big writing so that you do not miss it. THIS MONEY COULD STAMP OUT POVERTY IN PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES WITHIN A VERY FEW YEARS. My question to the lefties is this, are you serious about ending poverty, or do you just like shouting about it?
Now, you might have noticed that this reason is not the reason that the Rees Mog’s of this world have given for pushing the country to the edge of the Brexit precipice, of course it isn’t. No, they have been shouting about bringing back our abilities to make our own laws (although that has really never been in question) and more importantly keeping foreigners out of the country. Now there is the crux of the matter, and the reason for this is that within the left leaning groups in this country there is actually a sizable proportion of racists. Yes , I have said it and you have been led by the noses by the Brexiteer generals in the form of the Rees Mog’s and the Arron Banks’ who were responsible for injecting vast sums of money into the Brexit campaign, much of which was used in twisting reality through both the right wing press and social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, constantly feeding anti-immigration and anti-asylum nonsense day and night to willing recipients. Have you actually heard much about immigration lately, now that the damage has been done?
So, in effect we are where we are because of an unholy alliance between the far right and unwitting but gullible left wingers. Now I am quite sure many of you will be outraged that socialists would hold such racist views, so think of this, Hitler was a socialist, he led “The National Socialist Party” and they came to power because of grievances at the way Germany was being treated after the first World War and the poverty it was causing. They moved from socialists to Fascists, just like that other well-known socialist, Tony Blair, both were responsible for many hundreds of thousands of innocent deaths.
OK, we are where we are, and that is in an unholy mess. This could lead to a general election, but think on this, we are where we are because of the mess caused by Brexit, and it would seem that the only alternative to the circus of clowns we have at present, is a leader of the Labour party who does not realise the value of remaining a member of the EU, and would readily forego any poverty alleviating forthcoming legislation concerning tax havens because of what would seem, latent racist tendencies.
Now all of this aside and addressing the situation Scotland finds itself in and that is nowhere nearer independence than we were in 2014., Nowhere nearer because of the SNP’s blatant refusal to pre-prepare for a future referendum. We have lost countess opportunities because of the ineptitude of Nicola Sturgeon in leading the so called “party of independence”. The only token to preparation she tossed the troops was the economic commission report which was a year late and a complete waste of time as it suggested doing much the very same thing with currency that we lost the last referendum on. Realising (too late) that she had made an utter mess of it, she then kicked it into the long grass along beside all the other “conversations”.
Ok, we could have a General Election in the offing and regardless of the lack of preparation, I think we should go for a one issue mandate., That of independence, like I suggested in 2015 and we know what would have happened with that with 56 out of the possible 59 MP’s being elected. It is not the ideal situation, because of the wilful lack of preparation, but I honestly feel we could do it. I also do not see why we couldn’t have a seamless transition to membership of the EU
I don’t think Sturgeon will do this and instead, will go for an attempt at a coalition with Corbin to “save the UK”. Interesting days ahead.
I append an internal EU publication on preparation for travel arrangements at the point where the UK exits the EU. Just to give a taste of the delights to come and what we could avoid as an independent country within the EU. The omni-shambles of the fishing give away in connection with the Irish situation would take too long to relate.
SEVEN THINGS
YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHEN TRAVELLING
between UK and the EU after Brexit — in the event of no deal
The United Kingdom (UK) will leave the European Union (EU) on Friday 29 March 2019 at midnight. This is exactly two years after it notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw.
If the Withdrawal Agreement is ratified before 30 March 2019, most of the legal effects of Brexit will apply as of 1 January 2021, i.e. after a transition period of 21 months, the terms of which are set out in the draft Withdrawal Agreement.
In the absence of a Withdrawal Agreement, there will be no transition period and EU law will no longer apply to and in the UK as of 30 March 2019.
Those who plan to travel between the UK and the EU27 after Brexit, as well as businesses providing travel-related services, should start preparing for the UK’s withdrawal, if they have not yet done so.
- BORDER CHECKS
Post-Brexit, UK nationals will no longer enjoy the facilitations provided for EU/EEA/CH citizens at the outer borders of the EU – and will not be entitled to use the separate EU/EEA/CH lanes. Persons travelling into the EU will be subject to additional verifications concerning, for instance, duration and purpose of stay.
UK citizens will need travel documents with a validity of no more than ten years, and valid for at least three months after intended departure from the EU.
The European Commission has proposed to the EU legislator to exempt UK nationals from visa requirements for short- term stays.
November 2018
- CUSTOMS, VAT AND EXCISE
There are limits to the quantities of products (in particular tobacco products and alcoholic beverages) that can be imported into the EU free of customs duties, VAT and excise duties post-Brexit.
Luggage may be subject to customs checks when entering the EU from the UK. Visitors from the UK will be entitled to a VAT refund on departure from the EU.
- TRAVELLING WITH PETS
The EU pet passport will no longer be valid for pet-owners resident in the UK post-Brexit.
Those travelling from the UK to the EU with pets should check, before travelling, which specific requirements will apply to the UK as a third country. They may need either a third country pet passport, or an animal health certificate.
- DRIVING
Post-Brexit, the mutual recognition system of driving licences between Member States no longer applies to the UK. Holders of a UK driving licence should verify with the relevant EU Member State whether an additional “international driving permit” is required.
People using a private vehicle registered in the UK are advised to check if their insurance covers both the EU and the UK after withdrawal. A “green card” may be required.
- HEALTH TREATMENT
Post-Brexit, access to healthcare in the EU will no longer be possible on the basis of a UK European Health Insurance card, and vice-versa.
People are advised to verify conditions for reimbursement of emergency medical expenses in third countries and consider taking out private travel insurance.
- PASSENGER RIGHTS
EU passenger rights to information, reimbursement, re-routing or compensation in case of delays and cancellations may no longer apply to UK flights and carriers, as well as ship, bus, coach and rail travels, depending on the point of departure and arrival and the country where the carrier is licensed.
- ROAMING
Providers of mobile communication services – voice calls, SMS or data – will no longer be bound by EU roaming rules when operating in the UK.
This means they may apply surcharges to UK customers using roaming services in the EU, and EU travellers using roaming services in the UK.
OTHER POINTS
TO BE KEPT IN MIND
Import into the EU of certain goods will be restricted or prohibited: for example products of animal origin (such as meat, milk, ham, cheese), cash over EUR 10,000, certain cultural goods, plants, plant products, or certain animals.
EU citizens will no longer be entitled to turn to UK embassies and consulates to seek consular protection in a third country (and vice-versa).
Full information is provided in the “Notice on Travelling between the EU and the United Kingdom following Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU”, published by the European Commission and available online1.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION AND WHO CAN ASSIST ME?
The European Commission’s website has over 70 preparedness notices2 on a wide range of economic sectors. They are meant to help citizens and market participants prepare. It is recommended that you read them and seek advice if you, your family or your business may be affected.
Consult the websites of the European Commission’s departments and agencies3 active in the area that concerns you, your family or your business.
To get additional information and assistance, contact your national authorities.
This document is presented for information purposes only and should not be understood as a legal text. Its content is without prejudice to the negotiations on the Withdrawal Agreement and the discussions on the future EU-UK relationship.
1 https://ec.europa.eu/info/brexit/brexit-preparedness/preparedness-notices_en 2 https://ec.europa.eu/info/brexit/brexit-preparedness_en
3 https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments_en
Bob Costello 