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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wish we were back in the EU

178 replies

Poetrypatty · 27/02/2022 19:48

This situation in Ukraine and seeing how the EU has responded to it all has made me miss being in the EU and want to be back in rather than just out on a limb on our own. I wondered what MNers think
YABU - better off as we are
YANBU - wish we were back in the EU

OP posts:
Artesia · 27/02/2022 21:01

@Porridgealert

I don't understand. Johnson was pushing for things before the EU could get agreement. There's a reason why Donald Tusk was berating the EU leadership and the heads of state of several EU countries which wouldn't agree to do what the UK and Canada were pushing for. Controversial opinion on MN but actually, I think Johnson has done OK. He's kept in touch with Zelensky, he's given a lot of what's been asked for, he's pushed other countries to go further than they wanted to. The East Euopean states have strong ties to the UK and want to keep them, regardless of the EU, because the uk has significant armed forces which they know they need. NATO trumps the EU.
Agreed- and meanwhile Italy and Belgium delayed the EU decisions on sanctions in order to protect their rights to sell diamonds and luxury goods to Russia. Happy to totally condemn the invasion, as long as they can still flog Gucci sunglasses and diamond tiaras to the oligarchs Hmm
Cognoscenti · 27/02/2022 21:01

We should never have left.

Original poster
Poetrypatty · 27/02/2022 21:01

I am impressed by Poland

Me too, they have really stepped up and been amazing.

OP posts:
Longcovid21 · 27/02/2022 21:01

Op the EU is an economic region but politically being part of NATO is the key thing here.

Mumofsend · 27/02/2022 21:02

I don't think we've been lacklustre at all.

Geographically and culturally Ukrainians are more likely to want to go to other Eastern European countries rather than here anyway, it makes sense to mainly stick to those with family members here and a heavier focus on the EU taking refugees.

Original poster
Poetrypatty · 27/02/2022 21:02

The partying is old news you need to let it go

What's old news got to do with it? And no I won't be.

OP posts:
AnotherSillawithanS · 27/02/2022 21:03

Of course UK has said no to refugees, it's what it does best. Racist fucked up country.

Lovingthemalbec · 27/02/2022 21:04

O P name what Ursula has done that you think Boris hasn't done????! Which person would you have wanted to get us through Brexit, a pandemic and now a war with Ukraine🤔 please please tell us all and reasons

Original poster
Poetrypatty · 27/02/2022 21:04

Geographically and culturally Ukrainians are more likely to want to go to other Eastern European countries rather than here anyway, it makes sense to mainly stick to those with family members here and a heavier focus on the EU taking refugees

So we're not offering to take any in because we think they wouldn't want to? Surely that's for them to decide. I would want to help and think we should offer people a chance to come here, rather than leave it all to everyone else. I think a lot of people in the UK would want to help.

OP posts:
MimosaPiqueNique · 27/02/2022 21:05

Actually the Telegraph reported that partygate has done long term to Johnson. If there were an election tomorrow, half of Tory MPs stand to lose their seats, including Johnson.

chaosrabbitland · 27/02/2022 21:06

@Poetrypatty

Controversial opinion on MN but actually, I think Johnson has done OK

What has he done that's good? We still have a country full of oligarchs, including in the House of Lords. We're not helping out any refugees. Johnson and Liz Truss are using it as a publicity stunt, including Johnson at some Ukranian church today even though he won't offer refuge to citizens. Truss standing in front of flags. Look at the amount of Russian money they've had. He's probably delighted that it detracts from his partying.

hes hopeless and with the best will in the world and im sure this opinion is controversal but i wonder how we are in a positon to take in lots of refugees even though it would be good if we could as we currently are taking in loads of economic migrants from non war zones that are arriving via dover and are currently stuffed into hotels costing the taxpayer a fortune , and of course they then are here being supported for years whilst they drag out the appeals to stay

it would be really nice if we actually were helping in and taking genuine refugees that were fleeing danger than every tom dick and harry that just wants to come here cos they have heard how nice it is and much better than where they live

Original poster
Poetrypatty · 27/02/2022 21:08

O P name what Ursula has done that you think Boris hasn't done?
Behaved like a sensible adult. Brushed her hair. Lots more.

Which person would you have wanted to get us through Brexit
Someone who's not a liar and someone who would have taken the views and interests of the whole country into account, not just those who voted Brexit.

a pandemic
Somebody not so selfish and useless. Someone who paid attention to detail and didn't just get a cabinet full of people who agreed with them, but rather chose the best people for the job.

OP posts:
MimosaPiqueNique · 27/02/2022 21:08

UVderL/EU have agreed fighter jets for Ukraine.

EU have acted more quickly on waving visas for Ukrainians. UK dragging its heels as expected.

grapewines · 27/02/2022 21:09

The partying is old news you need to let it go.

This is why this government gets away with all the shit they do.

Lovingthemalbec · 27/02/2022 21:09

??? Explain please

millymolls · 27/02/2022 21:10

I’m glad we’re not in the eu
And on this matter the eu has been weak and very poor !

Original poster
Poetrypatty · 27/02/2022 21:10

Yes chaosrabbitland they need to sort out the system because at the moment they can't process applications and can't let them work, even though we have jobs which need to be filled. It's a good point.

OP posts:
supperlover · 27/02/2022 21:10

I'm in Northern Ireland and Brexit has caused great difficulties here. Ironically the only political party here to support it ( DUP) are now complaining about the protocol which Boris agreed to. It's been very destabilising and we currently have no assembly as DUP pulled out. I always had a British passport but am fortunate that I also have a right to an Irish one so now have it too. Our children and grandchildren, who live in England and Wales were also able to get one. I was heartbroken by the referendum result.

Louisianagumbo · 27/02/2022 21:11

@Poetrypatty

Controversial opinion on MN but actually, I think Johnson has done OK

What has he done that's good? We still have a country full of oligarchs, including in the House of Lords. We're not helping out any refugees. Johnson and Liz Truss are using it as a publicity stunt, including Johnson at some Ukranian church today even though he won't offer refuge to citizens. Truss standing in front of flags. Look at the amount of Russian money they've had. He's probably delighted that it detracts from his partying.

Johnson has been to the Ukraine. He pledged support. He reassured Ukrainians. There were Ukrainians interviewed on 5drive after and they saud that the feedback ftom their families in the Ukraine was that they were grateful and relieved. He has kept in touch with Zelensky has offered money, arms and technical support. You say these things are publicity stunts, and maybe they are but it doesn't matter. It sends out a message that the UK will help wherever they can. And that's,what's important. He closed down airspace before the eu. He was pushing for the expulsion of Russian banks from Swift. He's frozen bank accounts. He's frozen assets of Russian banks and stopped firms trading. He's persuaded BP to withdraw from Rosneft. I can't list everything he's,fine but I yhink he's been on the ball and ahead of the eu.
Imissmoominmama · 27/02/2022 21:11

I wish we were too.

Louisianagumbo · 27/02/2022 21:14

He's probably delighted that it detracts from his partying.

OMG, theres an atrocity happening on European soil and you think its all a distraction from Johnson attending a party. Get a grip.

Sacada · 27/02/2022 21:16

The UK Government had anti-tank weapons and the training to use them in the hands of the Ukrainian armed forces - whilst the EU were (as usual) faffing and fiddling. As the Ukrainian foreign minister said today, of the EU's offer of weapons.....'it's a bit late now'.

Sometimeswinning · 27/02/2022 21:16

Of course UK has said no to refugees, it's what it does best. Racist fucked up country

Whatever! I'm more than happy for us to help any Ukrainians (I voted Brexit!!) The UK is only racist as long as people like you act like it's the only response to anything!

ZenNudist · 27/02/2022 21:18

What I find annoying is that Putin must have been so chuffed with Brexit. He is likely to take some credit. Russian interference is likely to have shifted the dial in favour of Boris and Co. I said at the time that given the Ukraine situation we were better off pulling together not apart. I think if covid hadn't got in the way we would be here much sooner.

Porridgealert · 27/02/2022 21:19

OP name what Ursula has done that you think Boris hasn't done?
Behaved like a sensible adult. Brushed her hair. Lots more.

That's your argument for how good she is, is it? She brushes her hair. Again the EU, under her leadership, were behind all the time. She's been very busy putting in exemptions for luxury goods so Russian millonaires aren't too inconvenienced. Pathetic.