Tony Jones

And yet pretty much all you've done on here is keep suggesting that the UK CAN "get away with" a half-hearted commitment to the EU.

Nationalisation!
(Oops, did I say that out loud?)

But all this talk about what we might be able to get away with just reinforces the impression that the UK isn't really interested in committing to the European project as a whole.
It's NOT just "the Common Market" anymore.

Avec plaisir!

I wish I could do SOMETHING. I just feel like I'm sitting watching it all get worse.

Oh, Dean, you still don't get it.
The very idea of the UK WANTING to negotiate opt-outs would show that we weren't committed to the European ideal.
We'd just be the Awkward Squad like before.
So plenty of MSs would (rightly) veto.

"For the record" on my part, I'd love the UK to rejoin. But only as a committed member, fully on board with the European project, not dragging its feet and demanding special treatment.

And if you're INSIDE the UK, and wonder what the heaven is going on in the HoL, and at Coronations?

💯

All round Chris's next août then.

Can we get AI to write it? I mean, who'd want to?

Misread "armholes," and wondered how you reshape politicians. Sorry!!

I'm starting to wonder if the French have a point.
Light breakfast, mahoosive lunch, then just apéro-type stuff in the evening.
Not convinced yet though.

You could've stopped after the first six words.

As a new applicant for accession, the terms are already laid out. "Negotiations" are about satisfying the EU and MSs that the country in question meets the criteria, not about which bits of the Treaties it likes.
We're outsiders now.

Such as coming out from "under the radar" and becoming legally resident.
Exactly. Now, where did I put my VERY small violin?

But at least those who were properly resident had their rights protected.

Oh, they don't want to LIVE in Europe, at all. They just want to be able to visit as often, and for as long, as they want.

It's not just them though, is it? Too many supposedly "pro-EU" folk still think of it transactionally - "How little commitment can we get away with, and still get the economic benefits?"
So they talk about Schengen not being essential, delaying (forever!) joining the Euro, as if those are positives!

Maybe a lot of people have racist feelings, but knew that wasn't acceptable so kept quiet.
Brexit gave them a kind of "permission" to express those attitudes, and social media gives them the means.

Have you given them a funny name to shout when your order is ready?

Is that, like, a machine to do your rowing for you?
Where I come from we'd say "engine."

But this poll asked the wrong question. Voting to remain isn't an option.
The relevant question is "Do you want the UKG to begin the application process to JOIN the EU?"
And it needs to be qualified with a clear explanation that this includes Schengen, the Euro, defence, and ever-closer union.

Chapeau à Pauline F-P!

2mph?

Quite correct. All the UK can do is apply.
My main point though was that we're not even ready to do that yet, as many "supporters" are still hoping for special treatment!

But that's no longer the option.
Other polls are rightly asking "Should the UK (Re)join the EU?" instead.
Their results are also pro-EU, but the support drops dramatically when Schengen and the Euro are brought up.
Which suggests, sadly, that we're not ready to join the REAL EU.

Also, other polls are rightly asking "Should the UK rejoin?" or similar wording, not "Would you vote L or R today?"
As I recall, their results were pro-EU, IF we got the same deal as before.
Support drops once Schengen, the Euro, and ever-closer union are included.

We only rent, but noticed the same thing about agents' photos.
Even wondered if there could be a business opportunity for someone to do it right!

It's currently on its way back.