Who do we trust?

Who do we trust? The people of Britain or the EU?

Britain has made it known  today 5 February 2018 that it will leave the Customs Union  - the EU tariff free trading area - after Brexit on 29 March 2019.

It is not just a question of staying in "the" Customs Union,  but also remaining in "a" Customs Union. 

This categoric decision,perhaps a milestone in the process of negotiation, has come after the reason for optimism in Britain  was questioned.  Though the 27 European Leaders at their Summit in Brussels in December 2017, had accepted that "sufficient progress" had been made in Brexit talks with Britain,to move on to the second phase in the negotiation,there was need for clarity.

The main issue of contention was the "transition period" and the "implementation period" after Britain's exit. It now seems to have been overcome at least for the time being.

An orderly withdrawal from  the EU, as if such a move was in always in doubt,was echoed in the statement issued by EU Negotiator Michel Barnier,while meeting with the British Prime Minister. His warning was that the UK "will face unavoidable barriers to trade". He said that "the time had come for UK to choose what it wanted after its 2019 exit.

The Second Phase of EU/UK Art.50 Negotiations in Brussels will commence 6 to 9 February 2018, concluding with the Meeting of Coordinators of EU, without Britain's presence.

The Statement from 10 Downing Street has made it abundantly clear that Britain had no intention of remaining in the Single Market/ Customs Union and that the Free Movement of peoples will not be allowed after Britain left the European Union.

The preparation for withdrawal from Europe was not a flash in the pan, It was well planned after the EU Referendum of June 2016. 

The people of Britain had made their voice known and it was loud and clear. 

Though details of the decision to leave the Customs Union are vague at present,the Government says it will propose an innovative and untested approach to customs checks as part of its Brexit negotiations, perhaps, the possibility of a "temporary Customs Union"to avoid a cliff edge for business as they adapt to the new arrangements.

Everybody is well aware that banks, landlords and employers have been on notice by Government bodies since the referendum, that they would face high fines for providing services to illegal migrants from Europe and elsewhere without proof of settled status.

The right to work and stay in the UK post transition has not been guaranteed.Further a Declaration of Nationality has been required of immigrants by Banks for investment in Britain. 

It was felt,that Britain could not reasonably be expected to accept, or accommodate the number of migrant workers from EU, after Brexit

Thus carefully and cautiously every step  by Britain is in the direction of taking back control of its borders, its laws and its trade.

Victor Cherubim