Re: Watchdog 'disappointed'
@AC
"What benefits? I'm not aware"
I think you could stop there. I am guessing your not in the UK. Regulation being cut down, not being part of the EU vaccination fiasco nor the covid bailout. Negotiating good trade deals to reduce costs on the population.
"I am aware of lots of SMEs complaining that they can't now trade with the EU"
Some and of course some were gonna have problems after being locked into a protectionist market.
"or where they can their costs have gone through the roof because businesses are adding large margins to cover the unknown risks"
I am sure some possibly are maybe.
"I am aware that Northern Ireland is trading more with Ireland because of issues with the NI/GB* sea border, but that they are doing well"
Glad you note they are doing well. Also helped that they UK unilaterally didnt impose idiotic checks demanded by the EU (hoping to starve out NI). I also noticed the EU had a problem with people from ROI trying to book vaccinations in NI and could only watch.
"I am aware that as more transition deadlines approach (1st October is the next) the position for GB* is going to get worse, as more red tape (wasn't Brexit to get rid of that?) will be introduced by the simple fact that we want svrnty."
Who's red tape? And if its so bad why would we want to impose it? And as the EU's red tape that would raise the question of why we would want to be in the EU and impose that on the rest of the world. The good news is giving up on passporting for the financial sector and instead ripping up red tape.
"by the simple fact that we want svrnty."
Amazing how this is considered a bad thing. Throughout all of history people fighting for freedom and the right to live only for idiots to consider it a bad thing. Damn right sovereignty, as Poland and Germany are finding out.
"I am aware that the European Commission (you understand what that is, don't you?) has moved on and doesn't care about us any more."
I would say about time but since they were still yabbering about brexit when comparing with the vaccine fiasco I doubt they have forgotten. Embarased and not wanting to draw attention maybe.
"I am aware that the EU hasn't imploded"
Your kidding? Please tell me your kidding. The EU is broke. They have just mutualised debt with the member countries in hope of not going under. Just as they were near bankrupt bailing out Greece. The glorious unity of purchasing as a group and not free-for-all fell apart quick for buying vaccinations. Poland and Hungary are slapping the EU for fun. Putin had a good laugh at the weakness of the EU. But somehow a chair vs sofa was more important to the President.
"That's what I am aware of. But I'm not aware of any sunny uplands. I must have missed those."
Looks like it. Guess it depends on your perspective. You can look in the sunlight or in the shade, such is the choice.