Westminstenders: Welcome to 2019

[RedToothBrush]

Welcome to 2019.

Bit of a different thread starter; instead of me speculating what are your predictions for the coming year politically? Will be interesting to see how people are viewing things right now.

How is Brexit going to play out?

Who is going to be framed as the scapegoat for whatever scenario you think likely?

What are going to be the biggest political issues that the media / politicians push (as opposed to what the real issues are)?

What is going to be the most shocking thing that will happen either here or abroad?

What will happen with Trump?

Who will be the next Tory leader and when?

Whats on the cards for the various political parties in general?

*there

Duchess UK = GB + NI
If you live in NI, then you don't live in GB

Arlene has said she would move to GB if NI votes for reunification.
unfortunately, we'd have to take her

That's also of course an option for any normal person in NI who doesn't like the result

If the UK Revokes after all, then irish reunification would once again be pushed back to 20-30 years away, imo

it is high time that NI returned to the rest of Ireland and then maybe could develop to not need just support
Which is why the Republic is very equivocal about taking on the basket case that is Northern Ireland

I pay my taxes to GB though?

Sorry that's besides the point.

"- more likely ! - there is another extension ... and another ..
i.e. vassal status until the UK probably either rejoins,
or becomes an EEA 3rd pillar with EFTA rules, but on its own so it can't muck up anyone else"

How long could that take? Or is that like asking how long a piece of string is?

You pay your taxes to the UK Government via HMRC. There is no "GB" government

Yes, you're right, I typed GB instead of UK.
Moving on..? When can, and will Scotland hold another referendum? If Scotland voted to seperate, could it remain in/join the EU?

Which is why the Republic is very equivocal about taking on the basket case that is Northern Ireland

I'm sure Brexiteers would be willing to stump up a huge dowry for the RoI to take NI off their hands. After all, it's not like it's their money anyway.

If Scotland voted to seperate, could it remain in/join the EU?
Oh joy, another hard border

I don't think ⅔ of Irish voters in favour of accepting an NI vote for reunification is equivocal.

Of course they have concerns about taking on the more batshit unionists, but hopefully some of those would join Arlene in flouncing over to GB

If the UK was reduced to just England and Wales, would England and Wales be better or worse off?

Scotland is a much tougher situation, because they wouldn't be be reuniting with an existing EU country
and has no GFA equivalent.
Also, far more trade with England than NI has

First win Indy2, then apply !
EFTA might be a better fit for Scotland ?

Scotland doesn't have a big brother to reunite with, let alone one within the EU

imo, carving off Scoland would be far more traumatic ECONOMICALLY for both parties, England & Scotland, than reuniting Ireland

Of course, the fear of Loyalist terrorism would be wrt Ireland only
but I wouldn't let fear of the EDL in England sway my vote in the next GE

Personally, if I were Scottish, I'd vote against Indy to avoid the economic mess,
but I appreciate other people vote sometimes for independence despite knowing the economic disadvantages

but hopefully some of those would join Arlene in flouncing over to GB
please no

If the UK was reduced to just England and Wales, would England and Wales be better or worse off?

Maybe look to history ? England & Wales would end up having to defend Scotland (for free) or risk an invasion of Scotland leading to an invasion of England. Same for a united Ireland.

I'm looking forward to the flaming, but there are parallels with Russia and Ukraine.

We'd have to find somewhere else to put Trident !

Apparently it's safe enough to trundle missiles near Glasgow and Edinburgh, but would be too dangerous around any English cities,
which has reportedly not impressed the Scots that well

NIMBY ! - I'm sure Westminster won't allow an Indy ref for many years,
... unless say the SNP holds the balance of power after the next GE

US Ambassador to the UK talked today of a 'very quick, very massive bilateral trade deal that could be the precursor of future trade deals with other countries around the world'
And that it won't be possible with May's deal. I think the US is a bit too eager for it to be a good thing for us. Quick? (Read: we will steamroller you) Massive? (Read: we want a piece of everything, all to our own advantage and on our own terms) with other countries? I don't know, something tells me we'll have to fall in line with whatever Donald says. Honestly, can't see the upside.

This is extremely damning, on the subject of Seaborne (link shared by someone on the British in Europe group):

m.facebook.com/groups/963579693754088?view=permalink&id=1793471127431603

Meanwhile, the Mayor of London is putting on a European themed firework display. It's a nice token of appreciation! (Still got criticised for it by UKIP knuckle draggers)

Seaborne Freight, does not own any ships, has not previously operated a ferry service and is not planning to do so until late March.
🤦🏻‍♀️

Probably not the standard of prepping we would wish from our govt
but maybe the standard we should expect

Quietrebel, same with Edinburgh. Wonder if it's been coordinated?