Uk's "ambassador To The Eu" Resigns

[New Judge]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38498839

I meant to ask this before Christmas when Sir Ivan Rogers poked his nose into Brexit. Why does the UK (or anybody else for that matter) require an Ambassador to the EU? With the exception of those sent to the United Nations, I understood Ambassadors to be representatives sent by one sovereign nation to another. The EU is not a sovereign nation and there is certainly no reason why member nations should send "ambassadors" to an organisation where they send Commissioners and MEPs.

Sir Ivan, it is said, has resigned to give a new incumbent the chance to get his feet under the (dining) table before negotiations to leave begin. Surely this is an opportunity to cut the post entirely?

[jourdain2]

All the other countries in the world will know why we left the EU and (if we have to do so) why we did it by just 'walking away'. They won't regard us as bad debtors or anything like that and will happily take on contracts. Honestly, I feel that problems are being built up to hysterical levels (not on here) . No I haven't read the link yet EDDIE, I will do, I promise, but I can't see any petty legalities overriding the grand sweep of things.

Just to add that I fought a nasty divorce in France, in French and under French law. (My legal French is pretty good if anyone knows anyone who would like lessons.) Going along with their norms is a recipe for disaster. I learnt not to comply and be 'good'. It was not a nice time, but I bet I'm the only one on here who has had that experience. It is imperative that we make our position felt and stand there and make our case very forcefully - and have a few tricks up our sleeve (like pre-arranged deals). If I could work out how to do it the word 'imperative' would be highlighted or italicised.

[lindapalmara]

Maybe you could replace Ivan Rogers jourdain! Probably get much more done and in quicker time! I've said before we should offer ZERO/ZERO tariffs and walk away if they don't play ball. They need us more than we need them.

[jourdain2]

Very willing to do so for about a third of what they pay him!

[naomi24]

Eddie, I've read your link. Now stop shaking in your boots and read lindapalmara's post at 21:16. That's what should - and can - happen.

[jourdain2]

I've just read the link as well, EDDIE, it seems pretty clear that the EU has to play ball as well. Yes, it is loaded in their favour (which speaks ill of the people who signed the thing) but no insurmountable problems. Courage, mon brave (I'm sending New Year cards to our French friends so am a bit stuck in French or German -- yes I am not anti-European, just anti EU!).

[Khandro]

Who cares? who is/was he? I've never read anything he has ever written or said, nor seen him on Question Time etc., in fact, I knew nothing of his existence, and from the photographs, he appears to have all the charisma and gravitas of a man who has just **** his pants. Bye Bye Ivan, off you go to do something equally unimportant and more lucrative.

[jourdain2]

I wouldn't mind his job, Khandro.................. 'night now.

[Peter Pedant]

havent any of you worked out what an ambassador does yet ?

altho the gov.uk site says he is UKrep which makes more sense

"Honest man sent abroad to lie for his country" [Dr Johnson]
Does it matter what we call him - even if we call him "senior sixer in charge of whatever" he is still the man on the spot for the EU
[or was]

[jourdain2]

I'll do it better, P.P.. Strangely enough - I won't lie! That should startle 'em.
Signing off now.

[lindapalmara]

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/daily-mail/20170104/281625304977457

Let's get someone who will do the job properly.

[lindapalmara]

Apparently Theresa May is glad to see the back of Rogers.

[TWR]

Job for the boys NJ, they look after their own.

[youngmafbog]

As are many of us.

Why does he think anyone would tell him anything about BREXIT strategy? He is clearly a staunch Remonaer and cannot be trusted at all.

[dannyk13]

Eddie. // we have no part in deciding our terms for exit. That is down to the EU council with no input from the UK.//
We do not have to accept what is offered by the EU no matter how many times you offer the same doom mongering.

[andy-hughes]

YMB - to be fair to Sir Ivan - he spent a vast amount of time and energy advising David Cameron on how to argue to stay in the EU, now he is tasked with advising Teresa May on how to argue to leave.

Detached observers say that - as a career civil servant, Sir Ivan has worked for a variety of governments and ministers, and in theory, the colour of the government, and its policy, should not matter at all.

Probably more realistic, is that Sir Ivan has lived, worked and has his being within the centre of the EU, and it is too much of a leap for him to put all that energy into a set of negotiations which, if he is successful, will lose him his job.

Better to have someone with the enthusiasm for the work - but his contacts and experience will be a loss, and tricky to replace.

[Khandro]

According to Charles Moore in the Spectator a few weeks ago, members leaving the EU council are entitled to a 'Transition Allowance', he wrote that it was reported Peter Mandelson received a sum of nearly one million euros.

[andy-hughes]

Sounds about right.

[Togo]

//members leaving the EU council are entitled to a 'Transition Allowance', he wrote that it was reported Peter Mandelson received a sum of nearly one million euros. //

But they only "qualify" for it as long as they show continued support for the EU pyramid scheme, the same as the pension conditions. Why do you think we have the likes on Kinnochio bleating on and on like a Welsh lamb?

[Togo]

I remember when such inducements were called bribery and corruption. Just goes to show how far from accepted practice, the machinations of this barely legal set up has twisted the truth and business practices of a whole continent.

[lindapalmara]

Absolutely Togo