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Brexit may have been better for Britain than France thinks
Reader says timing was right but the UK could have gained more
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To the Editor,
Nick Inman is entitled to his opinion on Brexit – as are others on both sides of the argument.
However, he has set out the history and evolution of the process comprehensively and fairly.
As to his complaint about the loss of various entitlements since Brexit, apart from his right to vote in French elections, most of these were available to visitors from the UK before we joined the EU and, again apart from voting rights, could have been restored had he applied for French residency under the Withdrawal Agreement terms – which I assume he did.
The main reason the UK has gained much less from Brexit than it could, and should, have done was that the terms were negotiated initially by people who neither wanted nor believed in Brexit.
Later attempts to correct the deficiencies were insurmountably difficult. I would have preferred a ‘no deal’ solution.
In spite of the adverse effects of recent government decisions and policy on the UK economy, it is emerging that we are performing better than Germany and France, the former ‘kings’ of Europe.
I share Nick Inman’s view of the EU and I do not regret leaving. I am surprised the EU has survived so long and recent shifts in political alignment suggest it might be entering a period of radical change or even decline.
Maybe the UK timed its leaving better than has been appreciated.
M.B., by email
Do you think a return to the European Union is likely in the coming years? Would you welcome such a development? Share your thoughts at letters@connexionfrance.com
