To feel terrified after reading the prepping for Brexit threads?

[LittleNapRefuser]

I have genuinely cried real tears of fear after reading the threads on prepping for Brexit today. I have a toddler and right now I am terrified of what is to come and their future after all this.

I don't really have anyone to talk to about this in 'real life' because most people I know aren't reading the news or don't seem to care.

Should I be terrified? Should I be scared for my baby's future? Can anyone reassure me or offer me an alternative perspective on all this. I don't want to to put my head in the sand but I feel really afraid.

Ihatemycar
Point 1. I'm afraid the problem here is that whilst the UK imports a lot from the EU, it's still only one mid-sized market versus the 400+ million strong bloc worth many trillions . The EU accepting the UKs red lines would in effect mean that the single market in its current form ceases to be. The EU will never compromise its own existence because one member is leaving, however important the member. If they'd thought it worthwhile there would already be a signed deal.

1. The 13b annual contribution- first of all, it's very easy to Google very long lists of projects (infrastructure, research, environmental etc) funded by the EU. But the main point of the annual payment is economies of scale. The payment allows us to pool our resources together with 27 other countries in many administrative areas and dramatically reduce bureaucracy. Pulling out of for ex the European Medical Agency (one of many such regulatory bodies) will mean building a UK agency, alone, from scratch. BREXIT =More bureaucracy not less!

Point 3. Already addressed

Point 4. I don't know the intricate terms of the CAP however one thing is absolutely certain: getting rid of tariffs to allow cheap goods from non EU countries will be the best way to kill our industry. It's a real shame because I'm a big fan of regional products. The CAP may have flaws but a FTA with the US for instance will not help.
I will let someone else answer the VAT point in detail but again I suspect it is only worth it in a super low tax economy which is essentially a dog-eat-dog world for ordinary people.

bugger Post. Forgot that would be a trigger for the whatabouts.

I think Whoate is right about compassion towards one another and anger and fighting doesn't help. We don't have to agree with each other but respect for everyone's views is important whether we think those views are right or wrong.

A vote to remain was a vote for the medium term status quo and a vote for the known and easy to feel confident that we would stay as we are and with no uncertainty. A vote to leave was a vote to venture into the unknown but with faith that it would be better for the country's future, but obviously this comes with uncertainty and understandably a fear of the unknown. No one knows for certain if this was a good decision or a bad one, only time will tell, but enough people had faith at the time of the referendum that it was a good decision.

People's reasons for voting to leave varied. Much of the media coverage over the past 40 years was very negative against the EU and that must have rubbed off on people's views. Many remember voting in the referendum in the 1970s to join the EEC and then it was mostly to do with free trade and customs. Many became nervous however over the past 30 years that the EU wanted to move closer to political, legal, financial integration as well as economic. Most were happy with the single market when there were a small number of economically homogeneous countries in the EU but when more countries joined the EU from less well off countries and many moved from the less wealthy nations to the wealthier nations, many became nervous about large amounts of migration and the affects on jobs, wages, infrastructure. Farmers and fishermen felt they had bad deals when it came to quotas. Many saw EU politicians as corrupt and lining their own pockets. Many saw the EU as wasteful and inefficient and full of bureaucracy and red tape and slow in decision making. Many were worried about the EU moving towards political union and the UK becoming a Federal State of Europe. Many did not like the fact that the UK was the third highest payer into the UK and paid more than we got out in terms of subsidies. Many did not like that laws in the UK were being overruled by EU legislation and that human rights of criminals for instance were given great importance.

Am sure there were many more reasons people voted to leave. Whether you agree with these reasons or not, you need to respect the fact that 52% of those who voted thought that these reasons were legitimate to them and that they felt them that important enough to risk the status quo and to take our future on a different path. Leavers are nervous too, more so because we seem to have a weak government who have not dealt with the negotiations well and seemed to have turned Brexit into a bit of a farce. Please respect each other though and respect each others right to different views.

1. VAT rates

The EU sets the broad VAT rules through European VAT Directives, and has set the minimum standard VAT rate at 15%. The 28 member states are otherwise free to set their standard VAT rates. 2018 European Union VAT rates

We have 20% VAT because we have a sovereign government that wants a 20% VAT rate.

Good post, girlsblouse.

It would be great if some people would respect others putting a little food on storage without calling them hysterical and scaremongering. That’s not helpful or decent behaviour and you’re only embarrassing yourselves.

pesty thanks for the clarification. So, the argument for leave here only if the government wanted to set VAT at a rate lower than 15%. A low tax haven as I said.

People aren't saying it's wrong to "put a little food on standby." Just the ridiculous scare mongering hyperbole and fuck you what have you done type posts that inevitably comes with it needs to stop, as it's helping noone and feeding panic for people like op who say they're in tears over it. Just no need.

We had a weak government before Brexit that chose to have a refuremdum for spurious reasons, one being they were weak.
But I guess it’s all the weak governments fault now!
Jesus what did you expect

girlsblouse agree completely on the need for respect and dialogue. It's crucial. It doesnt mean facts should be overlooked and it doesn't mean debate should stop. I think those calling others insane and dismissing people's concerns as hysteria are an example to follow.

Are NOT an example to follow !! Damn phone !!!

GirlsBlouse17 obviously a heartfelt post but I can I just point out human rights are separate to the EU.

We will remain in the European Court of Human Rights and will remain subject to their rulings.

You write about what people 'felt' and you may well be correct. However, as I have just pointed out lots of those feelings could not be supported with facts. It's not a case of respect it's just that most of the points can not be supported and are wrong.

That's not to disrespect you but it's what happens in a political debate. You say something, someone else points out the flaws in your argument and you adjust your argument. Brexit supporters keep on putting forward arguments not supported by facts but supported by feelings.

I fully understand people feel alienated from the political system and want change but leaving the EU will not solve that in fact it will cause great harm to the vulnerable in society.

Anyone who thinks this uk government is going to reduce VAT
Needs to seriously think hard about what they want versus reality VAT has always been more than the 15% minimum set by the EU

WHY??? because they wanted it so. Not because of the EU

farmers? Do you think the UK will suddenly stop subsidising ? 3billion a year apparently

There are lots of small industries that have eu set taxes that may or may not be considered fair. But is the government going to get rid of them? I doubt it very much. It doesn’t make logical sense to stop revenue that’s already been accepted and affiliated into society.

Quietrebel I have always assumed Brexit was about becoming a tax haven. Rich people in a position of power do not do things that do not benefit them.

No need to panic buy or hoard. Just spend a couple of quid extra a week (on shelf stable stuff) and ensure you have a small buffer zone. If you don't feel the need to do this (maybe you have a pantry like Nigella), how about doing the same but giving it to a food bank.

Is there a plan in place to give farmers the equivalent of the EU grants they receive? Genuine question.

@JaneJeffer Nope.

I have just noticed this thread has 666 posts 😱

I was a child in the 70’s and clearly remember the 3 day week etc.

But there weren’t food shortages and the army wasn’t on standby.
I’m shitting myself. I’m going to my doctor on Wednesday to ask for counselling. Not that it will help, but l am just freaking out big time.

How can a responsible government fuck with peoples lives like this

Jane over the long term no, the DEFRA plans do not allow for them. In the short term there will be a transition period. In fact the farming plans are all about becoming “green”, just what farmers need, more regulation at a time they have to just survive.

Oh but yo people freaking out pleas stop! There is planning in place, the world isn’t going to grind to a bloody halt, in terms of import/export no one want to see ridiculous tariffs. And even if we do on some items in the short term we can source locally, you just need to buy local fresh food.

Yes your French cheeseoght shoot up but maybe buy cheddar? Or milk which is already ridiculously cheap? Buy British lamb beef and pork? Because if the French aren’t taking it it’ll be floating round here instead.

We grow and mill our own wheat, pasta and rice might go up so maybe buy stupidly underpriced porridge oats and bread instead?

And mainly stop freaking the fuck out!

Honestly, if you think this is scaremongering (since when did the daily mail subscribe to 'project fear', 'cause they're all over this) then crack on. I'm not keen on paying pounds more for something I can buy in bulk for 60p now. So that's what I'll be doing.

The satisfaction of finally having achieved sovereignty, and the warm memories of food rationing during the blitz will keep you fed, I'm sure. Such a lovely time was had by all during those days. Wholesome. Fun. Healthy. Rickets.

Daily Mail article below, maybe their editor should seek counselling, right?

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6003837/Plans-drawn-troops-deliver-food-Britain-leaves-EU-without-deal.html

@Incarnationsofunderstanding - so how is the cheddar going to get to the shop? Forget distractions with French cheese and other red herring bullshit. Our food distribution network is vulnerable to hiccups. Be it weather related, Brexit related whatever.

you just need to buy local fresh food

From where? Three local farms have closed near me because they can't guarantee they'll be able to pick what they grow, because they can't source labourers. Besides, won't everyone else be doing that too? Is there enough for everyone?

We grow and mill our own wheat, pasta and rice might go up so maybe buy stupidly underpriced porridge oats and bread instead?

God, I wish I possessed your naivety. All that will be left are those things, SO THEY WILL BECOME EXPENSIVE.

TheEmoji....

Counseling from your doctor about Brexit?! Hope you paying privately and not expecting it on theNHS