AMI But I really hope we don't spoil our relationship with a massive trading nation on our doorstep. There is no massive trading nation on our doorstep - the federalists would like that to be the case, but there are actually 28 EU member states, not one homogenous mass called the USE as yet.
Sukey I said 'some' or many leavers had done their research, but being referred to as a knuckle dragger by Miniatureegg is about par for the course. I can see the reasons why remainers wanted to stay in, but for me they were just not strong enough. I think many remainers voted as they did because they thought there was a status quo they were voting for, but there isn't. I think Project Fear also played a part in the remain vote.
Jassy Britain can't formally enter negotiations on individual trade deals until it's left the EU. The best that can happen is preliminary talks. And we'd be beyond foolish to try to enter formal negotiations before we have left, in terms of the impact on th exit negotiations. Please point out where I said formal talks? I was very careful not to put formal in there. When the EU plays by the rules, then I expect we will. Juncker has already accused the UK of entering into formal negotiations. However, scoping talks can encompass quite a lot as can bilateral meetings.
If the EU had any sense, it would welcome us going as it takes the brake off defence plans, and EU foreign policy, and negotiate accordingly. After all, the UK was the fly in the EU ointment. The question is whether Juncker, Tusk, Mogherini, Verhofstadt, Barnier et al will want to make this work on a practical level, which would benefit both sides, or whether they will be difficult because they can, as the integrity of the project has been dented. I find it odd that no-one though that member states might want to leave one day, and make plans accordingly. It's that Brussels bubble again.