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Anyone who has seen the chaos at Dover in recent weeks will understand why the UK should apply to be part of the Schengen area, for freedom of movement; and should also apply to re-join the Single Market.
This would not be giving-in to the EU, it would simply make things easier for all Europeans; in or out of the European Union. It would be similar to being back in The Common Market.
If any political party suggests re-applying, please give them your support; whoever they are (within reason).
May I suggest that if you're planning to cross The Channel via Dover in the near future that you stay at home. Take your holiday somewhere in the UK instead, where you, and your holiday £'s, will actually be welcomed.
20 hours stuck in a car is no way to start a holiday. You can't sleep as you have to inch forwards every so often. You can't have a pee. You can't turn around to go home. And all because those bloody French Customs folk are playing silly bug*ers.
That sort of traffic standstill is why I prefer not to travel.
ReplyDeleteWe came by a different route just as the Dover problems were starting. As Dorothy said 'There's no place like home'.
DeleteThe French love playing silly buggers. They are very good at it.
ReplyDeleteFive other ports with sailings to France are available. Not sure about Weymouth as it has always been an intermittent service from there.
We came via Newhaven. It's a 4 hour crossing instead of Dover's one hour, but at least we didn't have to wait for 20 hours.
DeleteYes, the French will continue to punish the UK for as long as possible. We never knew they cared so much!
I might be slightly more favourably inclined to joining a "Single Market" if that was all that it was - what I have serious problems with Is all of the associated political baggage that comes with it. You and I are both old enough to remember a time before the EEC/EU, when was a simple exercise to travel and do business in Western Europe - after all the rise of the Costs del Sol was fuelled at least in part by mass UK tourism ( and at the expense of the traditional British seaside holiday).
ReplyDeleteMe too but that's not what it will be. More Government never improved anything.
DeleteI think the only problems would be trade related rather than political. However, I do think re-joining would benefit everyone. Becoming a member of Schengen certainly would.
DeleteIs this another of your tongue in cheek posts? If not, then your views on membership of the EU change like the weather.
ReplyDeleteI voted to remain, for obvious reasons. And I have always advocated remaining in the Single Market, and guarding the Right of Movement. Neither of these things means becoming a member of the political EU. They should have been negotiated as part of Brexit, then we would all be happy.
Deletep.s. I have also petitioned Boris many times about this.
DeleteHilarious. You leave the EU and then blame the French for any inconvenience. It's a game some swathes of these isles play so well. After all, what is the index finger for if not to point it at others for YOUR mistakes.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, great comment I came across yesterday, and I am still smiling:
"To all the leave voters queueing at Dover: you wanted an end to freedom of movement – well, you’ve got it."
U
Actually most people who voted either way wished to retain that freedom of movement. You should also note that the majority of EU member states have been fine about the UK leaving. Some countries are now even making it easier for Brits to visit their countries; rather than playing puerile games. The French have never forgiven the English for the defeat and death of Napoleon.
DeleteYes, the feud between the English and the French is a long standing one. As a friend of mine once said: "Go and get a room."
DeleteYour claim that Leavers "wished to retain freedom of movement" is plainly not true. It was/is one of the main selling points of Brexshite: Pull up the drawbridge. Batten down the hatches.
Be careful what you wish for. Sometimes, so called "freedom" makes a prison by another name.
And, yes, I appreciate that you wanted to "remain" - albeit, so it appears, insert smile, for selfish reasons.
In terms of what you were suggesting in your original post: Would you, Cro, be easily persuaded to re-enter negotiations with someone who has proven to break contracts indeed ignore international law, pick raisins out of the communal cake leaving others to tidy up after you?
I am sure the damage can be repaired. But it'll take time. And the ability to take responsibility for one's own action. The British pride themselves on the etiquette of queuing. Well, it appears they now have plenty of opportunity to do just that.
On a personal note: I am truly happy for you and Lady M being able to enjoy your bit of France, et Steak Frites.
U
People wanted an end to illegal immigration, and were told (unreliably) that this could be achieved by Brexit. I have never met a single person who was against freedom of movement to and from mainland Europe. You are half right, but the other half is totally wrong.
DeleteThe immigration issue has a number of facets - freedom of movement is totally independent of migration control, the activist legal profession and Human Rights legislation (yes, you Cherie Blair) has made removal of illegal immigrants almost impossible, the UK Border Force is a total joke when it comes to taking any action to control our borders (I think that they've been taking lessons from the woke police on how not to actually enforce anything), and the Home Office incumbents from Blunkett onwards have been incompetent in all respects regarding immigration.
DeleteIt also doesn't help that the UK has no meaningful numbers on just how many illegals might be here under the radar.
You're right, it's a joke. Even trying to deport illegal immigrant criminals is almost impossible.
DeleteCro…everyone else knows better than you xx
ReplyDeleteT'was ever thus, I'm used to it; even when I'm 100% right.
DeleteBeing part of Schengen would be a great idea as long as existing rules about working etc in Britain are strongly enforced. Who can work in Britain is for them to decide.
ReplyDeleteFor years the fuss here has been about boat arrivals, when vastly more illegal immigrants or prospective refugees arrive by plane. The figure of people from England who breach visas conditions and stay on is very high.
While not directly related, I was interested when watching a train trip video how the train stopped for a while in Bulgaria while illegal travellers were cleared off the train.
People breaching visa regulations is a worldwide problem; especially with students. But even they can be an asset to a country.
DeleteOh yes, better to catch Eurostar than take your car for a holiday.
ReplyDeleteUntil the French stop stamping their feet, it's probably better simply to go elsewhere.
DeleteThey stopped being awkward days ago. No queues now. It was a weekend as they say and despite their dislike they never say la fin de semaine. Idle buggers they are.
DeleteTry to get anyone to do anything here; it's a nightmare.
DeleteAs an American, I'm no expert on the EU. That said, negotiating the terms of staying/rejoining or leaving is proving to be quite important. Negotiating terms after the fact is not an ideal position to be in. Not impossible...It will take some skill.
ReplyDeleteNot in my wildest dreams would I ever sit in traffic like your photo shows.
My oldest is supposed to be coming over this weekend, we're now wondering what will happen.
DeleteSwim?
DeleteU
The "because of" at the end should be "Brexit". So far it appears to have brought our kingdom plenty of grief and no observable benefits apart from dark blue passports made in France. Personally, I preferred the maroon EU passports.
ReplyDelete