“Gromit, I'm not sure where you (or NJ) get the idea that we can just trigger article 50 after the recent ruling that parliament has to vote on it. “
“Both of your comments are quite worrying if they display your understanding of the EU divorce process.”
Gromit (I think) and I (certainly) were talking of the relationship between leaving and negotiating our future relationship, not our own domestic constitutional problems which currently prevent us invoking A50. When they are overcome we can Trigger A50 whenever we like and that, and our subsequent leaving, is not dependent on the outcome of the negotiations.
In fact the EU has (quite properly) said that it will not enter into “divorce” proceedings until A50 has been triggered. This turns any debate among politicians which may display our “red lines” for negotiation the same as showing your hand at poker.
“I'm holding out for being able to use all the facilities without paying the subscription or following any of the rules.”
Good luck with that, Ludwig. That’s not what I’m expecting or even hoping for. There is too much interdependency voiced about the negotiations. The referendum question was “Do you want to Remain or Leave the EU”. There was nothing about “providing we can get a good deal”. I know I cannot speak for all “Leave” voters but I answered that question as it was put. I voted to leave lock, stock and barrel. I do not expect the UK to retain any advantages that might be evident from EU membership unless it is mutually agreed. But I do not want, as part of any agreement, the UK to be constrained by the EU or any of its institutions in any way whatsoever. I do not want any deal concluded that makes the UK subject to any EU rules, regulations or laws. In particular I do not want to see any compromise on free movement of people, no compromise on the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice over UK affairs and no compromise on the UK’s ability to form trading agreements with whomsoever it pleases. The maximum price that will be paid for that right is to revert to the position held by the other 160 or so independent nations who are not EU members. Many of them manage to get by quite successfully without EU membership or influence and so will the UK.