goinggreek.info
The Agora => UK & World News => Topic started by: Maik on Sunday, 21 February, 2016 @ 01:50:30
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EU referendum: Cameron sets June date for UK vote
The UK will vote on whether to remain in the EU on Thursday 23 June, Prime Minister David Cameron has said.
The prime minister made his historic announcement in Downing Street after briefing the cabinet.
He said he would be campaigning to remain in a reformed EU - and described the vote as one of the biggest decisions "in our lifetimes".
According to the latest opinion polls, the British public are thought to be fairly evenly split.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-35621079
See also: UK EU vote for ex-pats (http://goinggreek.info/index.php?topic=2168.0)
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Does anyone really trust the polls these days?
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Great...four months of lies, scares, and obfuscation
The Special Agreement offers absolutely nothing concrete, and as someone once said (Sam Goldwyn?) a verbal agreement isn't worth the paper it isn't written on.
I'll need a holiday !!
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The UK's EU referendum: All you need to know (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887)
EU referendum: What is it and when is it? (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/eureferendum/11324069/What-is-the-EU-referendum-and-when-is-it.html)
(http://goinggreek.info/gallery/1_21_02_16_2_33_03.jpeg)
Does anyone really trust the polls these days?
Haven't been too accurate in the UK or Greece lately, thought it might be interesting to see what's the opinion on GGi so I've added our own poll.
Great...four months of lies, scares, and obfuscation
Yes, it'll probably get pretty intense and (even more) difficult to decide what's likely fact and what's a scare story. I'm undecided at present. Votes on the GGi poll can be changed.
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I was in the OUT camp before Cameron's negotiations, but I thought he could put right many of injustices we feel as British citizens. Unfortunately he appears to achieved nothing concrete and all he has are some vague promises, not even ratified by the EU council. What happened to our concerns about EU laws, overuling our own Government? I thought that was the main worry of most people and nothing has changed.
So, I am still in the OUT camp.
Unfortunately, we have no control over the vote, having been out of the country for more than 15 years!
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Very good point, Rog. Maybe I should have included a preference for "Remain in a much reformed EU". Might've got my vote if it was an offer on the real life table.
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"Remain in a much reformed EU"
That is exactly what Cameron's negotiations were supposed to deliver.
He's even suggesting that's what's been achieved. It hasn't.
I wouldn't want to be a member of the EU when Turkey joins, and I believe that's what will be offered to Turkey in return for it policing it's borders better. Once they can legally do so, 50million Turks heading for Northern Europe will be no less of a problem than 2 to 3 million Syrians
Most importantly though, if we do Leave, do you think it might adversely affect our Eurovision chances?
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Great...four months of lies, scares, and obfuscation
Whichever way you vote who wants 4 months of this. I mean we have months of shadow boxing already and in bloody slow-mo so the recent agreement with the EU adds a bit whatever you make of it but probably not that much. So who dreamt up another 16 weeks of this stuff, that's 123 days?? If you're in, out or undecided 2 months would be more than plenty of time. Six weeks would concentrate the mind and leave enough time to recover before heading off to Kef for a deserved break and an opportunity to see whatever the referendum result kicks off for Brits in the EU.
:rant:
Tony
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Turkey and the rest of the rubbish- Bosnia Herzegovina-Albania perhaps? Slovenia Ukraine ,Georgia," Come on down the Price is Right "God Help Us !!!I'm definitely OUT.
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"Remain in a much reformed EU"
That is exactly what Cameron's negotiations were supposed to deliver.
He's even suggesting that's what's been achieved. It hasn't.
I wouldn't want to be a member of the EU when Turkey joins, and I believe that's what will be offered to Turkey in return for it policing it's borders better. Once they can legally do so, 50million Turks heading for Northern Europe will be no less of a problem than 2 to 3 million Syrians
Most importantly though, if we do Leave, do you think it might adversely affect our Eurovision chances?
Turkey's border is so long they'll never be able to police it, especially as much of it is semi-desert. God knows what has been promised to the Turks for hosting 2.5 million refugees but they'll never be granted EU membership, just kept waiting for decades while they make further "democratic reforms".
Tony
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Most importantly though, if we do Leave, do you think it might adversely affect our Eurovision chances?
If we had a referendum about that I know which way I'd vote.
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Brexit would lead to more expensive flights and holidays, Cameron says
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/feb/25/brexit-eu-referendum-more-expensive-flights-holidays-david-cameron
Anyone know why?
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Punishment. For being disobedient.
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EU pauses plans to ban super-strength kettles out of fear it would drive tea loving Britons towards Brexit
The European Commission had been planning a number of measures to ban high energy appliances for environmental reasons. However it has now quietly shelved the ban due to concerns that backlash in Britain could drive the country towards a Brexit, The Financial Times reports.
The ban would have applied to a number of high powered household appliances which are much loved in the UK, including kettles and toasters. A senior EU official has reportedly said that the commission has paused plans to introduce the rules to be “sensitive to the British obsession with water kettles.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-pauses-plans-to-ban-super-strength-kettles-out-of-fear-it-would-drive-tea-loving-britons-towards-a6899551.html
Aye, don't mess with our cuppa
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This is precisely why (in my view) we need to leave the EU! Why should we be contributing towards the wages of these highly paid twots who dictate to us what shape our bananas should be, what kind of light bulbs we use, the engine size our hoovers should be - need I go on..?!! When did the Common Market change into the European parliament?
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EU pauses plans to ban super-strength kettles out of fear it would drive tea loving Britons towards Brexit
The European Commission had been planning a number of measures to ban high energy appliances for environmental reasons. However it has now quietly shelved the ban due to concerns that backlash in Britain could drive the country towards a Brexit, The Financial Times reports.
The ban would have applied to a number of high powered household appliances which are much loved in the UK, including kettles and toasters. A senior EU official has reportedly said that the commission has paused plans to introduce the rules to be “sensitive to the British obsession with water kettles.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-pauses-plans-to-ban-super-strength-kettles-out-of-fear-it-would-drive-tea-loving-britons-towards-a6899551.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-pauses-plans-to-ban-super-strength-kettles-out-of-fear-it-would-drive-tea-loving-britons-towards-a6899551.html)
Aye, don't mess with our cuppa
Er... is this genuine?? Two points:
I just about managed to pass O level physics having no natural aptitude but having worked very hard. One of the few things I remember was that it takes a fixed amount of heat to boil a kettle. Doesn't matter whether it is fast or slow - it's the same amount. The only thing that matters is putting more water than you need in the kettle or re-boiling it after it has already boiled and then cooled down. So it makes no difference if you have a "super-fast" kettle.
And of course the Germans and the French who drink a lot of coffee - not forgetting the Italians who drink gallons litres of the stuff - use little piles of lighted twigs in their kitchens when they make a brew. ;)
Tony
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Er... is this genuine??
Not sure if the EU is concerned about Brits voting to exit over a cuppa but all sorts of appliances are going to be meddled with:
Now Europe comes for the Sunday roast: Brussels to impose maximum power limit on all new gas and electric ovens from next month
Brussels are set to impose a maximum power limit on gas and electric ovens next month which could threaten the Sunday roast.
An EU ruling will require 'new energy efficiency requirements for ovens, hobs and range hoods' by next month.
Officials insist it will cut waste and improve value for money, but critics fear it will take longer to warm up ovens to cook the Sunday joint.
New measures will be brought on February 26 for electric and gas-fired ovens. Shops will still be able to sell existing models, but an eco-design directive will be introduced over several years.
Eurocrats say all changes will save an average household about £32 a year.
But the measures have been criticised by some MEPs who say it is further evidence of EU chiefs meddling in our everyday lives.
The planned changes follow a string of controversial energy-saving measures brought in by the EU and aim to cut costs, improve competitiveness and reduce carbon emissions.
New measures came into effect on January 1 which demand that everything from computer modems to 'smart' televisions must have the ability to go into standby mode if no task is performed for several minutes.
Although coffee machines bought at Christmas are likely to be exempt from the ruling, new ones must meet the stringent EU energy regulations.
The new rules state that drip filter coffee machines that have insulated jugs to keep the drink warm must power down their heated plate or element five minutes after brewing.
Those with non-insulated jugs must go on standby within 40 minutes of use. Espresso machines should turn off after half an hour.
Elsewhere, traditional lightbulbs have been axed and Europe barred powerful vacuum cleaners in September in what was later dubbed 'Hoovergate' and which sparked a stampede to buy high-power models in the UK.
The directive banned vacuum cleaners of more than 1,600 watts in an attempt to reduce energy consumption and this will be further reduced to 900 watts by 2017.
The EU is also expected to impose limits on high-power hairdryers, irons, kettles, toasters and even lawn mowers.
A spokesman for the European Commission said: 'These policies save money, help tackle climate change and reduce energy imports from Russia and the Middle East.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2895999/Now-Europe-comes-Sunday-roast-Brussels-impose-maximum-power-limit-new-gas-electric-ovens-month.html
There's similar in the Telegraph: EU to ban high-energy hair dryers, smartphones and kettles (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/11061538/EU-to-ban-high-energy-hair-dryers-smartphones-and-kettles.html)
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When did the Common Market change into the European parliament?
Hm, yes, that was a sneaky move (well, IMO)
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Tories want to quit EU to 'scrap workers' right to paid holiday'
Shadow Business Secretary says Tory eurosceptics want to scrap many legal protections
European Union legislation mandates that member states must by law give workers four weeks of paid leave, while the principle of equal pay for equal work has been embedded in treaties since the bloc's founding.
There were reports last year that David Cameron might negotiate away workers’ rights as part of plans to cut “red tape” across the EU. Though the PM has secured largely unspecified cuts to “red tape” this plan appears to have been dropped.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-referendum-workers-rights-paid-holiday-brexit-labour-angela-eagle-a6901146.html
:hmm:
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Hi Maik
Re the GGi poll, can you tell me how to change a vote please, not ready to yet but when I see the poll I only see results without access to change.
Thank You
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I thought maybe it was just me (I'd looked just in case I made a decision!). Give me a few minutes and I'll see what I can figure out.
...a few minutes GMT ;)
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OK, sorted, very easy actually (I'd missed ticking a box when I created the poll :iroll:)
On the right hand side under the poll you should now find a 'REMOVE VOTE' option, click that, it removes the vote you cast and enables you to vote again.
:)
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I do not seem to be able to find the GGI poll.
Can you show a link please?
John T
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Thanks Maik, glad it was an easy fix for you
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I do not seem to be able to find the GGI poll.
Can you show a link please?
Scroll up to top of page, John, should be there for you. Or just click here (http://goinggreek.info/index.php?topic=2192).
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Greece's 'erratic Marxist' Varoufakis advises Labour Party, Corbyn says
Yanis Varoufakis, the self-described "erratic Marxist" who alienated his euro zone colleagues during his time as Greece's finance minister, has secured a new role advising the opposition Labour Party.
Jeremy Corbyn, who has sought to take the party of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown further to the left since he became leader in 2015, said Varoufakis would advise Labour in "some capacity" due to his experience from dealing with the European Union.
"I realise we’re not in the euro zone but it's a question of understanding how we challenge the notion that you can cut your way to prosperity when in reality you have to grow your way to prosperity.
"I think the way Greece has been treated is terrible and we should reach out to them."
Corbyn, who voted against membership in 1975, has said he will campaign to keep Britain in the EU in a June 23 referendum, arguing that membership is the best way to improve social and employment laws.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-labour-varoufakis-idUKKCN0W20R0
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Thanks Maik
Showing my age again.
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EU referendum risks British expats’ pensions, health care and public services
Britons leaving on the continent may lose a range of specific rights that are only guaranteed because of EU law
The lives of 2 million UK citizens living, working and travelling in the other 27 Member States would be affected if Britain was to leave the EU, according to an official government’s paper.
Britons leaving on the continent may lose a range of specific rights that are only guaranteed because of EU law. These include the rights to live and work but also access to pensions, health care and public service, the Cabinet office warned in his first official report into the impact of a future Brexit.
"There would be no requirement under EU law for these rights to be maintained if the UK left the EU. Should an agreement be reached to maintain these rights, the expectation must be that this would have to be reciprocated for EU citizens in the UK," the report said.
George Peretz QC, an expert on EU law said... "UK citizens would lose their EU law rights to work, to set up a business, to buy property, to bring family to live with them, not to be deported for trivial offences and so on."
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/eu-referendum-brexit-could-leave-british-expats-without-access-to-pensions-health-care-and-public-a6903211.html
(Think that sub-header should read, "Britons living on the continent")
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I understand the "access to Health Care" bit. Presumably a reference to the reciprocal arrangement throughout the EU.
But "access to public services"? Why? How?
Presumably there are people from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc who access these services abroad, perfectly well?
As for the scare mongering about access to pensions.....utter gibberish. The only way that would change is if the UK govt altered the current arrangement. Why would there be any need to?
I wish each side would just explain the positive consequence of their position, rather than this current spate of scare stories re. the consequence of voting for the opposition.
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I wish each side would just explain the positive consequence of their position, rather than this current spate of scare stories re. the consequence of voting for the opposition.
Yes, indeed. At the moment I'm struggling to find a positive for either option. If Britain stays in I suspect it will be regarded by the EU as a British surrender to whatever the EU chooses to dictate (rather like Greece) and if Britain exits I think it may be floundering around without a map and finding paths blocked.
Think I'd still prefer a much reformed EU (way beyond what Cameron's touting as a victory), but that doesn't appear to be an option.
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EU referendum: How British expats in Spain feel about the vote
(http://goinggreek.info/gallery/1_02_03_16_12_12_22.jpeg)
"We did not vote for federalism, we voted for a common market," protested one.
Richard Tildesley, a man with his ear very much glued to the ground when it comes to political opinion among expats... believes that living on the European mainland has put many people off the EU, however cosmopolitan their lives.
They are not impressed by how EU funds are spent, he believes, thinking the money is wasted on unnecessary projects while neglecting problems that badly need sorting out. Tildesley also argues that expats see the EU as destroying the very aspects of Spanish life that originally drew them to the country.
"What they perceive being created at the moment is a rather bland, pan-European homogenised culture."
Given the strength of opinion on this subject, it is perhaps surprising that so few expats in Spain have actually registered to vote.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35688387
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And of course British ex-pats would be adding to the authentic Spanish way of life that drew them to the Costas. And they might even vote for Brexit as there are "too many foreigners" in the UK!
Ex-pats in Greece are very different IMHO.
I'll get my tin hat now! ;)
Tony
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And of course British ex-pats would be adding to the authentic Spanish way of life that drew them to the Costas. And they might even vote for Brexit as there are "too many foreigners" in the UK!
Ex-pats in Greece are very different IMHO.
I'll get my tin hat now! ;)
Tony
I totally agree, Tony. The majority of expats I have met I have met on my travels are in the hot climate of their choice as an extended holiday. Most of us go for a couple of weeks but they are lucky enough to be in a position to stay for years. OK, I'm envious but they have little or no interest in the country or the "way of life" and many can't be bothered to learn the basics of the language - "If they want my business they can bloody well learn to speak English". I had the misfortune to meet one lady who had spent 10 years in Greece and still didn't know the difference between good morning and a plate of squid.
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Some words I have copied from a post on Facebook, so I cannot vouch for the accuracy.
Just a short set of figures for anyone mad enough to want to stay in the EU.
In 2015, the UK paid in £13billion to the EU coffers.
We received in return subsidies, grants etc which amounted to £4.5 billion.
So overall we paid in £8.5 billion more than we got back, or £23 million a day.
Imagine what we could do with £23 million every day from the end of June. That's every day for ever not a one off!
Imagine the benefits to businesses and the public alike when we can remove or reduce VAT.
Imagine what having that extra money in everyone's pocket will do for our own economy.
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Some words I have copied from a post on Facebook, so I cannot vouch for the accuracy.
Fair enough. Those who want to believe them will, those who aren't sure how true they are... aren't any the wiser.
I've only had a quick look at this but that quick look suggests (to me) the figures could be accurate:
The UK's EU membership fee (https://fullfact.org/economy/our-eu-membership-fee-55-million/)
Mind you, right-wingers might not believe what fullfact.org (https://fullfact.org/about/) say, anyway. Hey ho!
Even if the figures are correct they're only part of the picture. I think there could be benefits that are difficult to quantify and difficult to explain/understand.
This might not be a great way of explaining it but I haven't got time to think of a better one:
You're the richest person in the world. Nice. You've achieved it be being a right c**t and, while people might show respect out of fear, or toadying, everyone hates you. (That probably doesn't bother you at all).
You're one of the rest of us. Life can be a struggle at times but at least you've got some good mates around you. If they're in the sh*t you help them out. If you're in the sh*t they help you out.
Imagine what having that extra money in everyone's pocket will do for our own economy.
Yep, we could make the rich richer, build a 12 feet high razor wire fence all around Britain/England (no 3.65 metres, please), build a nuclear war machine in case Johnny European Foreigner invades us... or if the government has a different persuasion... build lots of nice subsidised housing for immigrants, travellers, whoever. It just takes a little imagination.
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EU unveils €700m emergency aid plan for Greece and other nations hit by refugee crisis
This would be the first time humanitarian cash has been used within Europe instead of helping countries outside the bloc
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/12180775/EU-unveils-700m-emergency-aid-plan-for-Greece-and-other-nations-hit-by-refugee-crisis.html
At least 30,000 people fleeing conflict or poverty in the Middle East and beyond are bottled up in Greece after Western Balkan states effectively closed their borders. Up to 3,000 more are crossing the Aegean every day despite rough winter seas.
The influx is severely straining the resources of a country barely able to look after its own people after a six-year recession - the worst since World War Two - that has shrunk the economy by a quarter and driven unemployment above 25 percent.
After years of austerity imposed by international lenders, who are now demanding deeper cuts in old-age pensions, ordinary Greeks say they feel abandoned by the European Union.
A staggering 92 percent of respondents in a Public Issue poll published by To Vima newspaper last Sunday said they felt the EU had left Greece to fend for itself.
The poll was taken before the European Commission announced 300 million euros in emergency aid this year to support relief organizations providing food, shelter and care for the migrants. But such promises do little to soften public anger.
In mid-February, Greece briefly threatened not to sign off on final agreements at an EU summit on amending Britain's membership terms unless Athens won assurances that EU states would not shut their borders. They did so anyway.
How Greece and the migrant crisis are handled may resonate at the other end of the continent in Britain, where voters will decide in a June 23 referendum whether to stay in the bloc.
James Ker-Lindsay, a Balkans expert at the London School of Economics, said leftist academics in Britain - a small but influential group typically supportive of the EU - were so dismayed by Brussels' treatment of Greece in 2015 that it would not take much to alienate them completely.
"If it looks like a double dose harsh treatment, the euroscepticism which is coming in very strong from right-wing parties across the EU could start being repeated on the left, but for a very different reason," Ker-Lindsay said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-greece-idUSKCN0W51WT
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MEPs allowed to claim £120,000 in expenses without proof of how money is spent
A court heard EU officials don't want to saddle MEPs with an 'administrative burden' which would hamper their freedom
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/12182738/MEPs-allowed-to-claim-120000-in-expenses-without-proof-of-how-money-is-spent.html
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Britain to pay £500 million under EU's grand migrant swap plan for Turkey
Thousands of Syrian refugees could be taken from Turkey and resettled in Europe, under "one-for-one" migrant swap deal
Tens of thousands of Syrian refugees will be taken directly from Turkey to Europe in a “one-for-one” swap with those on the Greek islands, in a highly ambitious bid to contain Europe's worst migrant crisis since the Second World War.
The grand bargain drawn up in Brussels - and agreed in principle at midnight on Monday - is intended to end the deadly Aegean sea crossings and encourage refugees to stay in Turkish camps by offering them the prospect of a flight direct to the EU.
British taxpayers will pay £500 million in aid, up from an initial £250 million agreed in October as EU leaders acceded to Turkey’s surprise demand to double its pay outs to €6 billion (£4.6 billion) by the end of 2018.
In a basket of sweeteners handed to Ahmet Davutoglu, the Turkish prime minister, five new chapters of the long-running talks on Turkey’s accession to the EU will be opened.
And from June, 77 million Turks will be able to access to the EU’s Schengen zone for 90 days without a visa under a significant relaxation of the rules. That is four months earlier than envisaged in talks last year.
Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president, under the proposals any attempts by migrants to reach Greece by boat "will land you back in Turkey and at the bottom of the resettlement list".
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/12185806/EU-leaders-meet-to-discuss-migrant-crisis-latest.html
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Perhaps the EU leader's calculators all failed at the same time....
So the transaction with Turkey is, return 1 or 2 million refugees/migrants/asylum seekers/chancers reaching Greece "unmanaged" and get 1 or 2 million "managed" refugees back in return. Buy One, Get a Different One Free
And, in return for their "help" 77 million Turks get unrestricted access to the whole of the (Schengen) EU
Doner Kebab anyone?
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Hm, yes, seems flavour of the month to bitch about Greece having a border like a sieve, how strong will the EU's border be (not to the 77 million Turkish nationals but to refugees/migrants/asylum seekers/chancers) if Turkey is admitted?
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The Turks have a smile like a Cheshire Cat at the moment as they hold all the aces. As the nimby movement continues to grow across the EU Turkey will continue to take full advantage and slowly creep in through the back door without all of the regulations that the rest of the EU have to endure.
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I still reckon the EU will continue to string Turkey along and then pull the (Turkish) carpet out from under them. ;)
Tony
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I really hope so. Smarmy ?
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My own observation;
Having Turkey in the EU would permit direct road access to the ME, would allow for an EU owned/managed TransEuropean oil supply pipeline, would allow for military planes to reach the ME without needing overfly permission, would introduce millions of muslims to Europe.
All of those issues are supposed to minimise the risk of war.
Once Turkey has established refugee camps holding 2 or 3 million (possibly many more now there's a precedent of guaranteed EU access, as per the new agreement) it has all the Aces.
That's quite a good hand for Turkey to hold in the event someone doesn't come up with the goods
Good job the British government isn't wasting time debating minor issues, like whether shops should be able to stay open longer hours on a Sunday
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Spot on TonyD. Even thought of running for the European Parliament? Pays well,full expenses (no daft receipts required ) and generous holiday and retirement package lobbed in !
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If Turkey joining the E.U isn't a pivotal moment, I don't know what is? I'm out!
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Spot on TonyD. Even thought of running for the European Parliament? Pays well,full expenses (no daft receipts required ) and generous holiday and retirement package lobbed in !
You might have to sit next to Nige, though. :unsure:
Tony
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EU and Turkish leaders agreed in principle on Monday that Ankara would prevent people from leaving its shores for Europe in exchange for more help for refugees living in Turkey, visa liberalisation for Turks visiting Europe and accelerating Turkey's long-dormant EU accession talks.
...an agreement that has stirred resistance in some countries, not least due to concerns over Turkey's record on human rights and press freedom.
EU officials also say Turkey, a country of 75 million, only meets about half of more than 70 technical requirements for visa-free travel with Europe.
Under Monday's tentative deal, Turkey would take back all migrants crossing to Europe who are ineligible for asylum as well as everyone - including those fleeing wars and hence eligible for international protection - fished out from the sea before reaching EU shores.
But the forcible mass repatriation of migrants to Turkey would be difficult to implement, not least because many will have risked their lives and spent large sums of money to get to Europe in the first place.
However, EU officials said just a few returns should be sufficient to convince the migrants they stood no chance of being allowed to stay and to agree to be sent back to Turkey.
The interior ministers meeting in Brussels will also discuss plans for a common EU border and coast guard that the bloc hopes to deploy for the first time in late summer.
http://www.ekathimerini.com/206853/article/ekathimerini/news/eu-ministers-cautious-on-easing-visa-rules-for-turkey-under-migration-deal
Turkey's European affairs minister Volkan Bozkir said Thursday his country would take back “tens of thousands” of migrants, “not hundreds of thousands or millions”, and they would “not include the existing refugees on the Greek islands”.
http://www.ekathimerini.com/206848/article/ekathimerini/news/netherlands-turkey-eu-refugee-swap-deal-temporary
"EU officials said just a few returns should be sufficient to convince the migrants they stood no chance of being allowed to stay" - just a few people win the lottery but that doesn't stop lots of others from playing it.
"a common EU border and coast guard that the bloc hopes to deploy for the first time in late summer" - stable doors? horses?
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Reality Check: Did the UK lose its sovereignty in 1972?
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35766434
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"a common EU border and coast guard that the bloc hopes to deploy for the first time in late summer" - stable doors? horses?
Neigh, Maik, neigh!
(http://www.cosgan.de/images/smilie/tiere/o055.gif)
Tony
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Reality Check: Did the UK lose its sovereignty in 1972?
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35766434 (http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35766434)
Think it's saying it depends on how you look at it. I guess that's the Beeb being neutral, ho hum. :blink: But a helpful look at some possible "facts".
Tony
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This campaign is like any other. Both sides are twisting and misrepresenting "facts", as politicians always do, and with the majority of the print press backing an exit from the EU it is at least helpful that the BBC gives a counter balance to the rhetoric of Boris the Buffon and others. The tactics of the "Leave" camp would shame Goebbals. The attempt to use the Queen by the Sun shows what a vile outfit the Murdoch empire is and how low "Leave" campaign is prepared to sink. The "In" lobby hasn't got started yet.
What we are seeing with this referendum is the final split in the Tory party over Europe. The Buffoon, Gove and others are looking not at what is best for Britain but what is best for themselves. Cameron has said that he will not stand for PM after this parliament so there will be a dogfight to see who will take over as PM. There can not be any serious suggestion that Corbyn will win the next election. If Cameron had been for leaving the EU I would suggest that the Buffoon would have been all for staying in.
Whenever you read or see anyone of either camp talking about the "future of Britain" substitute the phrase for "my attempt to grab power" Ask, as Louis Heren once said "Why is this Lying bastard lying to me.
By the way, I am all for leaving the EU which would be clear to anyone using this site over the years. I just don't like the "Leave" campaigners and the obvious distortions and lies used by them. If the "In" campaign ever gets going I will probably detest them as much.
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That's probably the most balanced comment from Ari I've ever seen! :btu:
I reckon if campaigners were truly interested in "what's best for Britain" they would be more prepared to concede the strength of some arguments on the other side. It's not like it's completely black and white, though in the end a choice has to be made. I suspect many if not most politicians have a bit of "what's in it for me" though there might even be a bit of principle somewhere for some.
That is not necessarily a good thing in some cases if the principles are not declared. For example the boss of the Vote Leave outfit is a cove called Matthew Elliott who previously ran the Taxpayers Alliance (http://www.taxpayersalliance.com), which I was recently surprised to learn was neither an alliance nor represented taxpayers, while marketing itself as a "grassroots organisation". It is overwhelmingly funded like many other organisations by hidden private donors who are probably very adroit at not paying their taxes. Its schtick is to lobby perfectly legitimately for small government and low taxes and has made a rather successful play in the rent-a-quote market for many media outlets. When Elliott is not falling out with members of his own organisation or with Nigel Farage is he in fact promoting a political position that voters are not aware of?
I agree about the tactics which appear to be about making the loudest noise. We've had the Queen (?unwillingly) deployed for "out", while the Archbishop stayed on the fence. Who next - the Pope, for "in" presumably and then God who might possibly stay silent. Referendums usually favour the government of the day (e.g. over PR) and the aforementioned Goebbels was rather in favour of them. So those who oppose the Government supported view have to work hard to counterbalance them. Perhaps it depends on the newspaper you read - I've confessed here many times to the Daily Mail* - but it looks to me that in this instance the "Out" campaign has the extremely voluble guns of the majority of the press blasting away daily, while the Beeb is as neutral as can be, possibly with an eye to the upcoming Charter renewal.
Now and again I have felt there has been some genuine debate with arguments either way being effectively neutralised but mostly just a lot of wild shouting into the air.
Ho-hum - only another 3 months to go!
Tony
*And I'm for "In".
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I'm rather worried the government doesn't appear to be doing anything in preparation for an Out vote.
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They're waiting for the late pre-arranged EU updated deal........
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A less charitable observation could be - they already know the result
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Maybe they are just going to do a Tsipras and ignore the result of the referendum completely if it is for leaving. :oki:
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If they were preparing for an out vote - they wouldn't tell, now would they??! My guess is that they would cover all options... but who knows? :unsure:
Tony
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The draft EU-Turkey migrant deal, at a glance
http://www.ekathimerini.com/207061/article/ekathimerini/news/the-draft-eu-turkey-migrant-deal-at-a-glance
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Reality Check: Would Brexit cost every household £850?
The UK leaving the European Union would knock £850 off the average UK household's income, according to a report from the Centre for Economic Performance (CEP) at the London School of Economics.
And that's its conclusion taking an "optimistic" view. The pessimistic conclusion from the report is £1,700 per household.
So beyond that, is it true? No, almost certainly not - it's a result of economic modelling.
The problem is that any such predictions involve making big assumptions about what would happen in the event of the UK leaving the EU.
Nobody knows what would happen if the UK were to leave the EU, so well-qualified people are trying to guess. There is little reason to believe they are guessing correctly. Predicting things is a thankless task - remember those opinion polls at last year's general election?
If economic modelling should not be guiding your thinking, then why are we covering it?
Because you can bet your last pound or euro that next week somebody supporting staying in the EU will say in a speech that leaving the EU will cost between £850 and £1,700 per household.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35843953
"Nobody knows what would happen if the UK were to leave the EU" :hmm: bit of a leap in the dark, then?
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Brexit: what it means for house prices and the supply crisis
A referendum on Britain’s continued membership of the European Union seems far removed from the UK housing market and whether or not an individual decides to buy or sell.
This is the view of analyst Anthony Codling, of the broker Jefferies, who believes that whichever way Britain votes on June 23, build rates will not slow, nor will demand for new homes wane.
The referendum “doesn’t move the needle”, he said. “To the average man on the street, [Brexit] makes no difference. Whether I want to move house or have another child makes no difference in or out of Europe.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/03/18/brexit-what-it-means-for-house-prices-and-the-supply-crisis/
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"...Nobody knows what would happen if the UK were to leave the EU..."
and therein lies my concern....it should be known.
There's a distinct possibility we will vote to leave (the Turkish sweeteners have swayed many)
In the event we do leave, it would be criminal if government wasn't prepared from day one.
Something we DO know;
In 2015 the UK paid £13 billion to the EU, and EU spending on the UK was £4.5 billion. So the UK’s ‘net contribution’ was approx £8.5 billion. There you go. We'll be at least £8.5 billion better off.
So perhaps we should leave. Use the savings to pay down the deficit AND increase public spending.
Then, once there's a sizeable sum in the piggy bank, we could apply to re-join the EU.
Oh, that's right, it's a once only deal. The EU won't have us back in. Yeah, right!
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In 2015 the UK paid £13 billion to the EU, and EU spending on the UK was £4.5 billion. So the UK’s ‘net contribution’ was approx £8.5 billion. There you go. We'll be at least £8.5 billion better off.
8.5 billion is a difficult figure to grasp. Much easier to think what could be done with £23 million every single day of the year!
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Give everyone 28p?
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"...Nobody knows what would happen if the UK were to leave the EU..."
and therein lies my concern....it should be known.
Tend to agree with you there.
I also think we shouldn't have to imagine what "we" could do with all the money we'd save.
Are the out campaigners saying WE WILL put this money into the NHS, education, police?
Or are they just asking us to imagine that's what might happen to it, like, imagine you've won the lottery?
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Brexit campaigners say Easter eggs will be cheaper if Britain leaves EU
'Consumers will be hopping mad to find out that the EU is actually making Easter more egg-spensive'
Spokesman Robert Oxley said: 'Pro-EU campaigners are constantly rabbiting on about the supposed benefits provided by the EU.
"But consumers will be hopping mad to find out that the EU is actually making Easter more egg-spensive."
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/brexit-campaigners-say-easter-eggs-will-be-cheaper-if-britain-leaves-eu-a6954156.html
:bun1:
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Brexit 'would trigger exodus of British expats from Europe'
Britons living abroad in the EU are reportedly worried about the consequences of voters opting to leave the bloc
British expats in Europe are reportedly concerned about the repercussions of Britain leaving the EU, with experts predicting an exodus from the continent if voters opt to leave the bloc.
Access to healthcare, the value of pensions and the right to study overseas are among the fears British citizens abroad harbour, The Times reported.
Already 100 British residents of Spain leave the country every day amid fears over the region's economic woes, it said.
France has warned that if Britain opted to leave the EU in the June 23 referendum, Britons would no longer be able to access public healthcare.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/eureferendum/12206186/Brexit-would-trigger-exodus-of-British-expats-from-Europe.html
"The Times reported" :hmm: The Times seemed to have it's on agenda when it came to the Greek crisis, some very dodgy reporting.
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British public must be told truth about immigration figures ahead of EU referendum, says watchdog
Exclusive: Office for National Statistics instructed to tell the public whether official immigration data "falls short of providing a full picture"
The British public must be told the truth about migration ahead of the EU referendum, the Office for National Statistics has been warned, amid concerns official figures may be wrong.
The letter revealed the UKSA’s concerns focus on differences between ONS migration figures and data produced by other government departments - which have shown a discrepancy of more than a million EU migrants over the last five years.
Since June 2010, 904,000 EU nationals moved to Britain, according to ONS data, but in comparison the DWP issued 2.25 million National Insurance numbers – a variation of 1.3 million – over the same period.
In the most recent ONS migration figures, published last month, overall immigration including non-EU nationals was put at 617,000 in the 12 months to the end of September 2015.
In comparison, data from the Department for Work and Pensions showed it handed out 828,000 National Insurance Number registrations to foreign-born nationals in 2015.
Although the figures cover slightly different time periods, they showed a potential discrepancy of more than 200,000 over just one year.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/12207625/British-public-must-be-told-truth-about-immigration-figures-ahead-of-EU-referendum-says-watchdog.html
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Analysis: The mechanics of leaving the European Union
Picture the scene: it's 08:00 on Friday 24 June*, and a weary David Cameron marches to the microphones outside Downing Street to react to the referendum vote to leave the EU.
Ignoring shouted questions about whether he will resign, he reprises his reaction to his shock Commons defeat over Syria in 2013. "The will of the British people is clear," he says, "I get it and I will negotiate accordingly to implement their clear decision."
Suppose that, or something like that, happens. What next, for the government and for Parliament? How would MPs deliver the decision the British people had just voted for?
The first point to make is that the process cannot easily be separated from the political mayhem that would then unfold.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35946617
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Wouldn't it strengthen the UK's position if interim measures for Brexit were discussed and put in place?
This would show the EU that the Country is series about the Referendum and could vote to leave if the new terms negoiated are not regarded as good enough by the electorate.
Cameron has made it clear he wants to stay in. If he believes he has done the best he can then he is of course entitled to campaign for staying in, but I beleve the Brexit negoiations should have already taken place and then we could vote with full knowledge of the options.
Without knowing the Brexit terms it's a loaded vote.
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EU referendum: 'Project Fear' working as poll shows Remain taking a narrow lead
David Cameron's campaign to warn voters about the dangers of leaving the European Union is beginning to win the argument ahead of the referendum, a Telegraph poll finds.
The exclusive poll finds that the “Remain” campaign now has a narrow lead after trailing last month, in a sign that Downing Street’s tactic – which has been described as “Project Fear” by its critics – is working.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/04/eu-referendum-project-fear-working-as-poll-shows-remain-taking-a/
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Reality Check: Are NI numbers a good migration measure?
It's not hard to see how the two sets of figures would be different. The question is, should they vary this much...?
Reality Check verdict: There are good reasons why the two numbers would be different, but they are strikingly far apart, and next month's figures showing how many of the numbers are active should help reconcile the two.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35959949
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EU referendum: 'Project Fear' working as poll shows Remain taking a narrow lead
David Cameron's campaign to warn voters about the dangers of leaving the European Union is beginning to win the argument ahead of the referendum, a Telegraph poll finds.
The exclusive poll finds that the “Remain” campaign now has a narrow lead after trailing last month, in a sign that Downing Street’s tactic – which has been described as “Project Fear” by its critics – is working.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/04/eu-referendum-project-fear-working-as-poll-shows-remain-taking-a/
I remember it wasn't that long ago that a hung parliament was being forecast by the same source. Too close to call was one of the media headlines. Well, we all know what happened then!
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If the Telegraph admits a slight lead for Remain I expect the real figure shows an overwhelming majority want to stay in the EC.
After the pollster's abject failure at the last election who can take their efforts seriously?
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The great cabbage myth
It has been suggested recently that there are 26,911 words of European Union regulation on the sale of cabbage. The claim is not true, but it has a long and interesting history.
With a referendum on UK membership of the European Union just around the corner, this cabbage statistic is proving rather popular on social media. It's cited as evidence that the EU is too bureaucratic and exerts excessive control over its members.
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35962999
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EU referendum: Government to spend £9m on leaflets to every home
The government is spending more than £9m on sending a leaflet to every UK household setting out the case for remaining in the European Union.
It says the 14-page document, to be sent to 27 million homes, responds to public demand for more details about the EU referendum by setting out the facts behind the government's position.
Leave campaigners reacted with fury.
A digital version will be advertised on social media and available on a new website (https://www.eureferendum.gov.uk/).
The government says the mail drop will cost £9.3m, or about 34p per household.
The designated Leave campaign, and its Remain opponent, will be able to spend up to £7m each on advertising and promotion once the official campaign period starts next week. This includes £600,000 of public grants set aside for free mailshots and TV broadcasts.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35980571
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The great cabbage myth
It has been suggested recently that there are 26,911 words of European Union regulation on the sale of cabbage. The claim is not true, but it has a long and interesting history.
With a referendum on UK membership of the European Union just around the corner, this cabbage statistic is proving rather popular on social media. It's cited as evidence that the EU is too bureaucratic and exerts excessive control over its members.
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35962999 (http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35962999)
So in this case whoever dreamt up the story can eat their words, but you might not want to stand, er...downwind of them!! ;)
Tony
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Only another 77 days, i.e.11 weeks to go, to the day. :blink:
Tony
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700,000 British expats will not be able to vote in EU referendum, court rules
They argued they were being illegally denied the chance to vote because they have lived in other European countries for more than 15 years.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/28/david-cameron-and-former-union-boss-warn-brexit-would-be-a-disas/
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We are all farcically in the dark about what would happen after a vote for Brexit
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/28/we-are-all-farcically-in-the-dark-about-what-would-happen-after/
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The standard of debate and the information provided from either side has been nothing short of appalling. The decision is increasingly going to depend on your gut reaction to the EU. Do we want to be ruled by Johnny Foreigner and do we want to be part of a major political and economic bloc? Outside we will be poorer in the short and medium term but we will be as independent as big business and the superpowers will let us be. Which is more important your wallet or your heart?
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EU referendum issues guide: Explore the arguments
Britain goes to the polls on Thursday 23 June to decide whether the UK should stay a member of the European Union. Use this guide to find out the arguments from the Leave and Remain sides on a range of key topics.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-36027205
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Better quality of discussion here on GGi IMHO!
Tony
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British expats: have your say in this historic decision
One of the most historic decisions the UK will make for a generation is in just a few weeks. On Thursday 23 June the British people will vote in a referendum to decide whether the UK should remain in or leave the European Union.
I am convinced that we will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU, rather than out on our own.
But this is a decision for you, the British people, not me or any other politician. The outcome of this referendum will affect not only your life, but the lives of your children and grand-children. So whatever you think, make sure you have your say.
http://www.ekathimerini.com/208490/opinion/ekathimerini/community/british-expats-have-your-say-in-this-historic-decision
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EU referendum: Two Britons lose EU vote legal bid
Two Britons living abroad have lost their Court of Appeal battle over the right to vote in June's EU referendum.
The legal challenge was brought by World War Two veteran Harry Shindler, 95, who lives in Italy, and lawyer and Belgian resident Jacquelyn MacLennan.
Under law, UK citizens who have lived abroad for more than 15 years cannot vote.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36341839
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What is Brexit and why are we having an EU referendum?
The big EU questions: With a month to go before the potentially epoch-making vote on British membership of the EU, the debate so far has been characterised by bias, distortion and exaggeration. So, from today until the referendum itself, we will be running a series of question and answer features which will explain the most important issues involved in a detailed, dispassionate way to help inform your decision
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/what-is-brexit-why-is-there-an-eu-referendum-a7042791.html
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Brexit offers no residency guarantees for Britons or Europeans, PM says
David Cameron says vote to leave may lead to loss of rights for Britons living in EU, including over healthcare and property
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/24/pm-brexit-offers-no-residency-guarantees-for-britons-or-europeans
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Yet more scaremongering.
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needs every vote he can muster....
tried the students, and although they're mainly an IN group, they're also known not to bother to vote
tried the "it'll be difficult, and oh so expensive to holiday in Europe" - forgetting everyone remembers holidaying in Europe BEFORE the UK joined the Common Market (Freddie Laker anyone?)
tried the "but you only get cheap mobile deals because of the EU" - but why would the UK need to change any Good EU rule following an exit vote?
now they're after the older minority groups who do vote - so it's the ex-pats turn today
tomorrow?
Blue Badge holders will have to hand in their permits because they have an EU logo?
All ATMs taken out of action because they allow EU cardholders to draw cash?
All travel banned whilst red passports are replaced by nice, hard, blue UK versions
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“To Britain, With Love”: Europeans against Brexit
Artists, athletes and Nobel Prize winners from across Europe are urging the UK to remain in the EU
http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?aid=804592
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“To Britain, With Love”: Europeans against Brexit
Artists, athletes and Nobel Prize winners from across Europe are urging the UK to remain in the EU
http://www.tovima.gr/en/article/?aid=804592
Read this and was surprised at how many of signatories were French
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I wonder if the Leave campaign will respond by publishing a similar letter "Britain - B****r Off" ??!! :unsure:
Tony
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Can you beat the average person on EU Referendum knowledge? Most people are wrong on almost everything
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/11/can-you-beat-the-average-person-on-eu-referendum-knowledge-most/
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"...Can you name your local MEP?..."
and to answer NO is an incorrect reply?!!!
afraid this "quiz" is immediately relegated to the scrap heap, despite it's supposed provenance
For the record, I got 6 - and No, I don't know my MEP
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Noticed the other day that Neil Kinnock appeared out of the bowels of Brussels for the Remain campaign. Wonder if his large salary and huge expenses has anything to do with it.
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Noticed the other day that Neil Kinnock appeared out of the bowels of Brussels for the Remain campaign. Wonder if his large salary and huge expenses has anything to do with it.
His salary would be the same as Nige's then but there were dark rumours about Nige's expenses some time back which I'm sure aren't true!
Tony
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Can you beat the average person on EU Referendum knowledge? Most people are wrong on almost everything
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/11/can-you-beat-the-average-person-on-eu-referendum-knowledge-most/ (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/11/can-you-beat-the-average-person-on-eu-referendum-knowledge-most/)
I got 5/8 including not knowing my MEP - natch! Actually I found it hard to work out which ones I'd get wrong from the comments that came up after I'd clicked! If you go back up to near the top you find the row of question numbers go red or green. I also then had to open the tab second time to remind myself of the questions! And I didn't understand some of the questions to start with - " Does the UK get less money back from the EU than..." - so I got that one wrong. Does this disqualify me from voting!
However it was a bit staggering that many people got some crucial questions wrong like the percentage of UK residents who are EU migrants or our relative financial contribution to the EU. I knew the first one of these but I was wrong on the other one and thought I'd followed the debate closely. :blink:
Tony
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Noticed the other day that Neil Kinnock appeared out of the bowels of Brussels for the Remain campaign. Wonder if his large salary and huge expenses has anything to do with it.
His salary would be the same as Nige's then but there were dark rumours about Nige's expenses some time back which I'm sure aren't true!
Tony
Kinnockio was never an MEP. He was appointed as a Commissioner and later became vice president of the European Commission under Romano Prodi from 1999 - 2004. He'd have been on far more than Nigel, and don't forget his wife was on that gravy train as as well.
Like some other supposed Socialists, he's now Baron and so ison the House or Lords gravy train. He also has nice little earners as chairman of the British Council and president of Cardiff University.
His son is MP for Aberavon.
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Can you beat the average person on EU Referendum knowledge? Most people are wrong on almost everything
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/11/can-you-beat-the-average-person-on-eu-referendum-knowledge-most/ (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/11/can-you-beat-the-average-person-on-eu-referendum-knowledge-most/)
I got 5/8 including not knowing my MEP - natch! Actually I found it hard to work out which ones I'd get wrong from the comments that came up after I'd clicked! If you go back up to near the top you find the row of question numbers go red or green. I also then had to open the tab second time to remind myself of the questions! And I didn't understand some of the questions to start with - " Does the UK get less money back from the EU than..." - so I got that one wrong. Does this disqualify me from voting!
However it was a bit staggering that many people got some crucial questions wrong like the percentage of UK residents who are EU migrants or our relative financial contribution to the EU. I knew the first one of these but I was wrong on the other one and thought I'd followed the debate closely. :blink:
Tony
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Choo choo all aboard ! Indeed.
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Obviously one sided documentary, but well worth watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0lG8KXldwA
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Noticed the other day that Neil Kinnock appeared out of the bowels of Brussels for the Remain campaign. Wonder if his large salary and huge expenses has anything to do with it.
His salary would be the same as Nige's then but there were dark rumours about Nige's expenses some time back which I'm sure aren't true!
Tony
Kinnockio was never an MEP. He was appointed as a Commissioner and later became vice president of the European Commission under Romano Prodi from 1999 - 2004. He'd have been on far more than Nigel, and don't forget his wife was on that gravy train as as well.
Like some other supposed Socialists, he's now Baron and so ison the House or Lords gravy train. He also has nice little earners as chairman of the British Council and president of Cardiff University.
His son is MP for Aberavon.
Sorry forgot he hadn't been an MEP - though he's ticked plenty of other boxes obviously. Just not the one marked social justice.
Er.. could there be a vacancy or two any time soon??!
Tony
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Now that we know the result what's everyone's views?
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Despite what Juncker & Tusk have said, watch the "extra" concessions for the UK come in now there's been an Out result.
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Tend to agree. Changes are sure to be made to ensure other countries don't follow suit.
However, the fragile, bruised egos in Brussels may not be that generous toward Britain.
In any event, if there were new concessions, we'd undoubtedly need another referendum - God help us!
If only a complacent, arrogant Brussels had been more receptive of Britain's request (not demand) for some fundamental changes BEFORE this referendum. Don't know about others, but I was completely unconvinced by the argument that changes would be negotiated if we voted to stay. That was simply nonsensical.
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Also noticed that EU quietly released news that they will be providing a "passports"/ travel document to illegal immigrants to travel anywhere within the EU
http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/682887/EU-announces-migrant-passpost-on-EU-referendum-day
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So when do we start getting all these new hospitals? :iroll:
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not for at least 3 years apparently, as that's the earliest the UK can disentangle from EU payment obligations.....but that's uncomfortably close to the next government too....will they honour the promise?
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Icing on the cake would be to lose Scotland......
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Better days are coming.......they're called Saturday and Sunday.
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Now that we know the result what's everyone's views?
Many of us voted for the European Economic Community, NOT ever closer Political Union. Why would anyone want an extra layer of Government consisting of unelected law makers and a gravy train of hangers on? The EU is a dictatorship.
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I wouldn't like to be an expat now. You got out just in time, Mike.
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Fine for 2 years then who knows.
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We'll stay as immigrants - no problem. They we here long before the EU.......
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My Greek teacher is hurrying to put in her British citizenship application for herself and the family before the door shuts. It costs a lot of money to buy the book and take the test. The test is pretty tough with some extremely obscure history questions. I did a very traditional O level course - which to my shock I managed to fail! But it was it was full of dates and names of kings and battles so exactly what is needed here.
There are several unoffical sites giving practice tests but I'm not sure how much credence to give them - one of them is in terrible almost incomprehensible English! I did this practice test (http://ukcitizenshipsupport.com/simulation-test/simulationtest/) and got 20/24 which I think means I've improved since I was 16! The pass level is 18/24 so I didn't make it by much. I would imagine that many Brits might struggle!
Tony
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On the referendum - It's looking a bit wobbly now. Is it a fast track or a slow re-negotiation? Rumours that Vote Leave are sidelining Farage. One party leader gone - very possibly another and the hounds are out for Osborne, apparently.
One odd fact from today's Daily Mail - Tunbridge Wells, yes Tunbridge Wells, voted REMAIN. It's in the special results section at the back - ? p104. I should have realised that TW is known for its metropolitan liberal elite mainly aged between 18 and 34! ;)
Tony
Update: BBC Referendum Results (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/eu_referendum/results) - search for Tunbridge Wells: Remain win by 9.8%.
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When are Farage and all the other Brexiteer (another terrible neologism!) MEPs going to resign their seats? Or are they all going to keep their snouts in the eurotrough as long as they possibly can?
In order to stay on as immigrants British expats may have to change their names to something that sounds Syrian. I doubt if the EU will be very accommodating otherwise.
Farage will, obviously, be sidelined. He holds no political position in the UK and has failed in every attempt to get elected to the British parliament. Farage and UKIP will now be consigned to the rubbish tip of history where they belong.
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Ari
They'll stay there till the very last day. Either to maximise their income, or to look after our interests until we leave. I'll let you decide which.
However if they do resign we'll have no representation unless of course we hold costly elections for short term MEPs.
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UKIP has now achieved its aims, exit from the EU. How can they stay as MEPs now. To look after our interests? That would be a change! Snouts will be in troughs until they are dragged kicking and screaming from the European parliament.
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I did this practice test (http://ukcitizenshipsupport.com/simulation-test/simulationtest/) and got 20/24
Oh dear, I'm going to be deported :(
Tests like these have nothing to do with 'being British'.
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Many Greeks welcome Brexit vote as snub to overbearing Brussels
http://www.ekathimerini.com/209871/article/ekathimerini/news/many-greeks-welcome-brexit-vote-as-snub-to-overbearing-brussels
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Many Greeks welcome Brexit vote as snub to overbearing Brussels
http://www.ekathimerini.com/209871/article/ekathimerini/news/many-greeks-welcome-brexit-vote-as-snub-to-overbearing-brussels
When I was in Kef recently I had several conversations with locals who to a man, and woman, supported Brexit. The hope was that Brexit would lead to the break up of the EU and, thus, the euro and end the control of Greece by the Troika. These were the same people that were scared rigid that Greece would leave the Eurozone and be kicked out of the EU a couple of years ago. Of course, Britain has, like the Greeks, only voted to leave. We will see if the Buffon and his cohorts have the balls to do what they promised or will Johnson's name become synonymous with Tsipras as yet another self seeking, power hungry politician.
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Reality Check: Have Leave campaigners changed their tune?
Immigration
The campaign claim: Immigration levels could be controlled if the UK left the EU. This would relieve pressure on public services.
The current claim: Immigration levels can't be radically reduced by leaving the EU. Fears about immigration did not influence the way people voted.
Contributions to the EU budget
The campaign claim: We send £350m a week to Brussels, which could be spent on the NHS instead.
The current claim: The claim was a mistake, and we will not be able to spend that much extra on the NHS.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-36641390
:iroll:
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In fact, now that the UK rating has been reduced the cost of government borrowing will increase and wipe out any savings that might, at some unspecified time in the future, be made from the EU contributions.
Did anyone believe Bojo the clown and his acolytes. As the man said "Why is this lying bastard lying to me." And as the woman said, "the only number you are interested in is number 10".
The clown combines a churchillian belief in the superiority of the British people with a patrician contempt for the common man. A strange admixture of his hero worship of Churchill and his passion for ancient Rome.
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I quite like the bloke.....
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I thought he was quite funny on Have I Got News For You but as a potential Prime Minister? Surely not!
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No!
Boris Johnson announces he will not run for Prime Minister as Michael Gove declares his bid after claiming his colleague 'cannot provide the leadership'
Theresa May, Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb, Liam Fox and Andrea Leadsom have been confirmed as the official Tory leadership contenders.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/30/boris-johnson-and-theresa-may-go-head-to-head-in-conservative-le/
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The consequences on the European economy from the UK’s possible departure from the European Union constitute a threat to Greek tourism already from next year, according to the president of the Association of Hellenic Tourism Enterprises (SETE), Andreas Andreadis.
Hoteliers also fear a domino effect from a Brexit on other European economies, which could affect incoming tourism.
http://www.ekathimerini.com/210111/article/ekathimerini/business/brexit-seen-to-hurt-greek-tourism-from-next-year
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No!
Boris Johnson announces he will not run for Prime Minister as Michael Gove declares his bid after claiming his colleague 'cannot provide the leadership'
Theresa May, Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb, Liam Fox and Andrea Leadsom have been confirmed as the official Tory leadership contenders.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/30/boris-johnson-and-theresa-may-go-head-to-head-in-conservative-le/
More the plot of Macbeth rather than Julius Caesar. Just goes to prove all politicians are slimy, backstabbing cowards.
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The consequences on the European economy from the UK’s possible departure from the European Union constitute a threat to Greek tourism already from next year, according to the president of the Association of Hellenic Tourism Enterprises (SETE), Andreas Andreadis.
Hoteliers also fear a domino effect from a Brexit on other European economies, which could affect incoming tourism.
http://www.ekathimerini.com/210111/article/ekathimerini/business/brexit-seen-to-hurt-greek-tourism-from-next-year
We will still be in Katelios next year, I've booked the flights. So not all doom and gloom Mr Andreadis.
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(11th Aug 2016)
Tui (Thomson Airways/Holidays) shares rose 2.8% to 1041p as it reaffirmed profit forecasts despite a difficult year for the travel industry.
It said third-quarter revenues fell 5.7% due to falling bookings to North Africa and Turkey, and the impact of terror attacks in Europe.
However, the company said there had been "no apparent slowdown" in UK bookings following the Brexit vote.
Tui said underlying earnings grew 1% in the quarter, and it still expected underlying profits for the full year to grow by at least 10%.
So, not the predicted Doom & Gloom indeed
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Prospect of early general election increases after High Court rules Government cannot trigger Article 50 without parliamentary approval
The High Court has ruled that the Government does not have power to trigger Article 50 without parliamentary approval and a vote from MPs.
Campaigners have won their battle over Theresa May's decision to use the royal prerogative in her Brexit strategy to start the process of leaving the European Union.
The government have said they will appeal the decision in the Supreme Court.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/03/high-court-to-rule-on-brexit-legal-battle-and-theresa-mays-decis/