Comments by "Nigel Johnson" (@nigeljohnson9820) on "Europe reacts: Time frame for post-Brexit trade deal 'is challenging', says EU chief" video.

@fitzstv8506 or alternatively saved us from being trapped in the totalitarian eu super state or being caught up in its financial collapse.
3
@fitzstv8506 by most economists, you mean those with a vested interest in the euro zone. In practice a collapse of the euro banking system is on the cards in the next few years. A small amount of growth might return to the EU, if its current trade wars are resolved, but this is only possible because it is starting at a very low base. The German economy only narrowly missed talking into recession last quarter and is not exactly very healthy at the moment. I am sure the EU is plotting to do its best to ensure that post Brexit Britain does not do well, as it really cannot afford for Brexit to be seen as a success.
3
@fitzstv8506 the German economy powers the EU. But it is in trouble. It has been for some time. The German banks are essentially insolvent as a result of taking on lots of bad debt in the last financial crash. German industry is being squeezed between the us and China, increasingly unable to compete with the latter. The euro zone is unstable and will remain so until it has economic federal governance, which is still politically unacceptable. The more successful states are funding those that are feckless or have long standing structural problems due to local government corruption or incompetents. Sooner or later this will breed resentment in their populations. The EU has an increasing population of migrants, a large portion of which are incompatible with the work force and lack the necessary skills and education. This problem will not be fixed until they are a second generation, and maybe not even then due to cultural differences. The EU is a large land mass that will be badly affected by climate change, with many industries suffering huge loss of income, such as tourism and agriculture.
3
Maybe the ratification of the withdrawal agreement will be delayed. The level playing field is important! Note of panic in the voice.
3
@fitzstv8506 I suggest you take a look at the solvency of the eu banks. The ECB is using negative interest rates and QE, does that sound safe?
2
@Stacha Stochmoll it seemed to need the divorce settlement. It made such a fuss about it.
2
@Stacha Stochmoll shame all the Russian money is laundered through London. If the EU fails to see it your way is Putin going to roll in the tanks? After all it invaded when the Ukraine look as if it was turning to the EU rather than Russia for trade.
2
@middleground1858 the EU is a place to sell not to buy. It is like a flock of sheep huddled together for protection while the wolves circle around the outside. The old wolf , the US, is no match for those who are ready to take over the leadership of the pack. China being the most likely replacement. With luck the UK has stepped away in sufficient time to watch the carnage from a safe distance.
1
Oh come on, the EU has lots of populists of their own.
1
Martin Doyle a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
1
Congratulations to Boris Johnson (through gritted teath).
1
with luck, WTO tariff barriers will make EU cars and parts far to expensive on the UK market. Greatly reducing EU imports to the UK. This will go some way to reducing the UK £80 billion trade deficit with the EU.
1