Brexit: View From Across The Channel

Unsurprisingly we tend to view Brexit from our UK perspective.  But negotiations are really about understanding the other side's position.  Their objectives, constraints and preferences.

So it is interesting to see Sabine Weyand, the EU Commission's Deputy Chief Negotiator retweeting this article written by Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist at the European Policy Centre (EPC).

Some choice quotes, confirming but also expanding on what we already know:

"...greater goods are at stake: the unity of the EU27, the integrity of the Single Market and the future of European integration. While there is willingness to find a compromise with the UK, a country leaving the EU cannot be better off than a remaining member."

"The notion that the EU could somehow concede on fundamental aspects of the treaties, such as freedom of movement or the oversight of the ECJ, is not only unlikely but would be struck down by the Court when challenged..."

"The way the UK has conducted these negotiations has burned many bridges and there are precious few allies and friends left. And the longer this approach prevails, the harder will it be to turn the situation around."

And most significantly:

 "But despite the collateral damage, most EU27 would probably welcome a committed and constructive UK back into the fold if a significant political change occurred."

A significant political change?  That's just what The Just Party has in mind, as detailed yesterday

We can then #StopBrexit and sit down with the EU for what would need to be conciliatory talks.  Then we can avoid the LOSE-LOSE where we are currently headed. 

If you believe this is the right way forward, do see here for how you can help.