On 31 Mar 2017 at 11:11pm Caedmon wrote:
“Outside the E.U., the world is our oyster, and the Commonwealth the pearl within,” the far-right, pro-Brexit United Kingdom Independence Party declared ahead of last year’s referendum. Earlier this month, it emerged that May’s government is seeking to boost trade links to many of the nations of the Commonwealth — particularly in Africa — in a move labeled by some anonymous government officials as “Empire 2.0.”
Brits are hardly alone in harboring delusions of empire — consider, for example, the colonial nostalgia of France’s far-right nationalists or the Ottomania of Turkey’s ruling party. But the fantasy of Britain’s past collides almost farcically against Britain’s present.
Never mind that Britain’s empire was a precursor to the forces of globalization and migration that the Brexiteers so profoundly resent.
Never mind that Brexit will “be a considerable blow to Commonwealth nations that export to Britain,” as the Financial Times reported: “Thirty-two Commonwealth countries, mainly in Africa and the Caribbean, are covered by free-trade agreements with the E.U. These states therefore enjoy duty-free and quota-free access to the E.U. for nearly all their goods. . . . Once the UK is out of the E.U., these countries will end up paying $800m a year in additional duties to access the UK market, according to an analysis by the Commonwealth Secretariat.”
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On 1 Apr 2017 at 7:57am Boris wrote:
I suppose you have no issue with the building of the EU empire. Mr Verhofstaft's vision is fine with you.
The irony is that its the ever increasing powers and vision of the EU that is spawning the far right across the continent. By the way, when i say far right i am using your liberal bigoted terminology. Populism and the far right are two different things demonstrated magnificently by the ground swelling 5 star movement in Italy.
On 1 Apr 2017 at 8:12am Alan the cat wrote:
Any updates on the speeding mazda lunatic?
On 1 Apr 2017 at 9:14am Schroedingers Remainers wrote:
According to Boris, both liberals and bigots simultaneously!
On 1 Apr 2017 at 6:27pm Hot lips wrote:
Hehehe
On 1 Apr 2017 at 7:58pm Clifford wrote:
Caedmon, do you think anyone on the left who voted Leave - and quite a few did - has delusions of Empire? I do get annoyed with people who pontificate about politics with, apparently a very narrow understanding of political thinking. And left 'the left' I exclude, of course, the bulk of the Labour party.
On 1 Apr 2017 at 8:33pm Busty bar maid wrote:
Clifford the spent force. Move on man
On 2 Apr 2017 at 12:51am Nationalist Socialist. wrote:
Quite right Clifford, many of us on the Left voted Brexit with the Tories , UKIP and the Hard Right because we have every confidence that they,that with the help of a fantastic trade deal with Erdogan,the Saudi`s and Trump.The Right will deliver the caring and fair Socialist society that we all dream of that is clear. Delusional ? Not us! Let`s make Britain Great again! We are marching towards Socialism,Left Right,...Right Right....Right Right Right Right............. Sieg Heil!
On 2 Apr 2017 at 6:04am Plebian wrote:
I am old enough to remember when Bennites (leftists) were vehemently opposed to the EU. Their influence declined with the shrinkage of union power.
On 2 Apr 2017 at 7:36am Irrelevant Thread Alert wrote:
Lewes has a Priory and some lovely twittens.
On 2 Apr 2017 at 11:39am Bob wrote:
It gets better. Spain are no longer going to veto an independent Scotland joining the EU. That pretty much nails on independence and there'll be a rush for Scottish passports if and when this happens.
On 2 Apr 2017 at 11:43am @bob wrote:
Go away you dull boring eunuch
On 2 Apr 2017 at 12:15pm Pedro wrote:
@ anonymous above (tediously insulting Bob, quel surprise). you know these threads will NEVER cease despite your tragic and sad efforts. Webbo has made a very acceptable and fair compromise of colour coding threads, but that seems to still rile you up. I can only conclude that you will never be happy...ever.
I'm sorry. I really am. Help is out there. This forum is not helping you though.
On 2 Apr 2017 at 6:39pm Moon Witch wrote:
Loving the way you always need to have the last word......problem?
On 2 Apr 2017 at 7:29pm Alan the cat wrote:
A sad argumentative little man.
On 2 Apr 2017 at 8:27pm Pedro wrote:
What bewildering pettiness! 
On 2 Apr 2017 at 8:36pm Alone wrote:
It's always you. It's only you. It will be forever you. Well done you.