Interview with Core Politics on Brexit
Discussing the Labour Party’s positions on various aspects of the ongoing Brexit negotiations – May 2018.
Richard
Author Archives
-
-
Brexit could sink the Falklands
The Falklands and other overseas territories will be affected if we leave the EU. They were overlooked during the debate and Falkland Islanders weren’t even given a vote in the referendum. It’s time we started talking about what’s at stake.
-
“Project Fear”? Pull the other one!
I’m tired of the Brexiter attempts to justify their lies in the referendum campaign by claiming that “both sides did it”, as if that somehow made it OK.
-
Brexit harms, not helps, our trade with the rest of the world
The last refuge of the Brexiters – all their other claims having been debunked and discredited – is that we can forge our own, better trade deals with the rest of the world once we leave the EU including its customs union.
-
When Brexit Becomes a Matter of Life and Death
Cooperation over health and medical provision in the EU has never hit the headlines – but it has undoubtedly saved many lives. The detachment of the UK from this system now threatens lives. Yet the government appears oblivious to this.
-
Long List of Little Things
The debate about Brexit has focussed on big decisions, such as trade and whether Britain should remain in the customs union. But Brexit, if it goes ahead, will also throw up a very long list of little things…
-
Brexit and the Music Industry: Concerted Objections
2% of people in the music world thought that Brexit would be good for the industry. Recent reports show why we should listen to the 98% who know the score.
-
Brexiters are wrong to think they’ll win a golden trade deal with the Commonwealth
In my latest piece for Left Foot Forward, I warn the Tory ministers making far-fetched claims that the Commonwealth Games are an opportunity to tout for post-Brexit trade, that they’re deluding themselves.
-
The Dangers of a Skeleton Brexit
The government could well be aiming for a Withdrawal Agreement that leaves all contentious issues to be solved only after Brexit, during the transition phase which in the meantime keeps the status quo.
-
The Brexit threat to workers’ rights is real
No-one should be fooled by the government’s claim that they will leave intact the workplace rights that we have agreed at European level and which are currently enshrined in EU legislation. The first clue about their true intentions is to be found in the fact that their promise to put all EU legislation into national […]
-
Misjudging the CJEU
One reason the Tories can’t get what they want in the Brexit negotiations is their red line about any role for the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU).
But why this aversion to it? -
Brexit and Charities: Giving away the benefits of EU membership?
Being located in a member state of the EU has provided major advantages to the charity sector which will be jeopardised, and could put the beneficiaries of their charitable projects at risk, at home and abroad.
-
Time for a change within Britain – or Harry Potter wizardry
Speaking in European Parliament on the May’s magical ‘Harry Potter’ border plans for Ireland. (13th March 2018)
-
The latest Brexit blind alley: “mutual recognition” and “equivalence”
It is becoming increasingly clear that while Theresa May’s Mansion House speech may have applied some sticking plaster on the gaping wounds within the Conservative government, it fails to address vital issues on which it simply offers more unrealistic fudge.
-
International Women’s Day 2018
This year, International Women’s Day will rightly be just one of many days where women’s rights, achievements and the discrimination and abuse they face daily will be high on the news agenda.
-
Labour’s vision of staying in a customs union will protect jobs, rights and standards
After Jeremy Corbyn’s speech on Monday I have written for Left Foot Forward on how the position he outlined could put pressure on the chaotic and damaging Tory Brexit plans that emerged from Chequers last week.
-
Theresa May’s ‘Road to Brexit’ will lead us off a cliff edge when it comes to security
With no (WTO equivalent) fallback positions on security, defence, policing and aviation, May’s Road to Brexit risks taking us on a journey that would diminish our safety and security at home and influence abroad. My latest piece for Left Foot Forward.
-
Alarming Conversation with a British diplomat – is this the line the government’s peddling?
At a diplomatic reception in the capital of a large developing Commonwealth country, a conversation between a senior UK diplomat and 3 UK parliamentarians from different parties took place along the following lines:
-
The Rohingya crisis on verge of getting even worse
I have just had the harrowing experience of visiting the world’s largest refugee camp. Over half a million people are crammed into hastily erected shelters and tents that, in about 50 days, will be hit by the monsoon torrential rains which will wash away the shelters. There is a race against time to avoid the worst of this “catastrophe within a catastrophe”.
-
LOSING control of our money, borders, laws and trade
Brexit supporters are organised and disciplined in their constantly repeated sound-bites. Almost every day you can hear the mantra “Take back control of our money, borders, laws and trade”. Constant repetition of this line is aimed at it becoming a commonplace, something that is accepted without discussion. Yet the assertion is false.
-
Either. Or. (An express guide to syntax)
“A MEMBER of Labour’s leadership has revealed new plans to keep Britain in the EU for an extra two years” shrieked the hysterical sub heading of David Maddox’s deliberately disingenuous piece in the Daily Express yesterday. Apparently, I have let slip a secret plan to keep “UK in EU even longer”. Really? Well, Mr. Maddox […]
-
Tricks of the trade
Confuse your customs unions with your comprehensive trade agreements? Not that bothered by NTBs?
There are a lot of trade terms swirling around the media at the moment, so here’s a handy guide to what they mean.
-
Transition or extension?
The realisation that any post-Brexit transition period will leave the UK still subject to EU legislation, including modifications to such legislation and new legislation, has given rise to the idea that Britain should extend its membership so as to serve any transition period as a voting member rather than as a “vassal state”.
-
We do not have to leave the Single Market to address migration concerns
The New Statesman has published my piece which challenges the myth that the UK has no control over EU migration. Membership of the Single Market gives national governments considerable powers, but Theresa May – both has Home Secretary and Prime Minister – has failed to implement them.
