aggi wrote:I can see that could be cheaper. However it doesn't seem possible given the open border in Ireland.
Also, we're still waiting on specifics on how the EU has caused a decline in British manufacturing.
I think i'm right in saying we cannot forcable remove EU migrants that have no job, homeless and even guilty of "low level crime" according to a recent judgement.
There appeared to be a slightly technical point when I read the ruling that you couldn't deport a homeless immigrant who was working (economically active). No job and homeless could still be deported. I imagine a large proportion of these are in London where a low paid job can barely cover the rent.
"I can see that could be cheaper. However it doesn't seem possible given the open border in Ireland."
Fair play for agreeing with me that it could be cheaper, I genuinely apppreciate it and also the general way you're prepared to engage. So cheers for that.
Admittedly, the Irish border is an Issue. But, when you consider that 4 all parties want a frictionless border, there should be scope for an agreement aggi.
Also, agrrements were in place long before the UK and Ireland joind the EU/EEC. And given the Ireland is not in Schengen, beefed up passport checks into Dublin and out of Belfast to the mainland would help.
"Also, we're still waiting on specifics on how the EU has caused a decline in British manufacturing."
Fair point! Well i guess it boils down to a couple of things. And its not some conspiracy thoery. I just feel, and yes admittedly its only a feeling, that the EU, with its grand scale plans. Decided, just like national Govenments do, when certain regions concentrate on certain areas. The EU decided that certain Nations would concetrate on certain things. So take the UK for example. And its generalising, I know. Birmingham - Cars. Manchester/ Lancs - cotton. London . Commerce/finance. North East - ship building/Coal. Coastal towns - fishing. The EU did the same on a pan European basis. Problem was, Germany didnt have any where near as big a banking sector to lose when it concentrated on Manufacturing. And importantly, its manufacturing is very broadly spread, geographically, as are its Landesbanks that really help local businesses flourish. Ours are much more centralised. Where as, the UK had what was, really, a more balanced economy with its manufacturing playing a much bigger role in the overall economy. Consequently, when it was given banking, and you may laugh there, its only my opinon, London and the South East had everything to gain and very little to lose. The exact opposite of the rest of the country. And wheres my evidence? And I reckon youll say, "causation and correlation". After 40 odd years of EU/EEC membership, the North South divide has never been bigger. And to call it a "North South" divide is misleading. Its more accurate to call it a London/South East and the Rest of the UK divide. And where is the banking done? In london and the South East...
The other reason I believe that EU membership has been detromental to UK manufacturing is this. Its linked to the assumption ive made about the EU's grand pan European plan. While we've been in the EU for the last 40 odd years. We've had governments of all shades an colours. And Europhiles will blame the decline of manufacturing on global changes and developing nations provideing new competiotion, and the failure of governments to address the issue of manufacturing decline. Labour supporters blame the Tories and vice versa. But the one consistant feature of the last 40 odd years is EU membership. Who ever has been in Government, Thatcher or Blair, the UK has always been in the EU/EEC. So has Germany, and the same global competion from cheaper emerging markets doesnt seem to have adversly affected its manufacturing. So perhaps the same argument shouldnt be used for a reason for UK manufacturing to be left to whither, with the cost of millions of well paid jobs. Neither the German or UK manufacturing have existed in a vacuum, both have been exposed to new competition. Both have seen Governments come and go.
Only ONE was chosen, by Brussels/Berlin, to be the EU's manufacturer of choice........
