EU has done everything to keep the British. From now on, only the interests of the remaining 440 million Europeans count for us.

The European parliament's response to Article 50 specifically notes Scotland's remain vote.

First EU response to article 50 takes tough line on transitional deal

Exclusive: Leaked European parliament resolution puts three-year limit on transition arrangement and says no to free trade agreement in next two years

Britain will not be given a free trade deal by the EU in the next two years, and a transition arrangement to cushion the UK’s exit after 2019 can last no longer than three years, a European parliament resolution has vowed, in the first official response by the EU institutions to the triggering of article 50 by Theresa May.

A leaked copy of the resolution, on which the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has been a close conspirator, lays bare the tough path ahead for Britain as the historic process of withdrawing from the trade bloc begins.

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fisherman wrote:It's not a five year trade negotiation?

Angela Merkel derails Theresa May's Brexit plan by rejecting parallel trade talks

Britain is to be put into the slow lane

Angela Merkel has dealt an instant blow to Theresa May's plan for Brexit by rejecting the PM's plan for trade talks to take place at the same time as Article 50 secession negotiations.

Britain will be put into the slow lane for discussions about any future trade deal with the EU following an intervention by the German Chancellor, who intervened just hours after the UK invoked Article 50.

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Scot Dutchy wrote:

[b2]

Angela Merkel derails Theresa May's Brexit plan by rejecting parallel trade talks

I just wonder what the Brexiteers expect. Afternoon tea? It is going to be tough very tough. They have insulted the EU and have tried to break it up. Dont expect mercy none will be given. The EU will not be satisfied until the UK is in bits and all that will be left will be Little England not including London, even the Taffs would have seen sense by then.

fisherman wrote:I'm on a train with dodgy connection, can you quote, two year divorce, three year transition?

Believes that transitional arrangements ensuring legal certainty and continuity can only be agreed between the European Union and the United Kingdom if they contain the right balance of rights and obligations for both parties, preserve the integrity of European Union legal order, with the European Court of Justice responsible for settling any legal challenges; they must also be strictly limited in time, and should not exceed three years, and in scope as they can never be a substitute for Union membership

Reiterates the importance that the withdrawal agreement and any possible transitional arrangement(s) enter(s) into force well before the May 2019 European elections;

nunnington wrote:I see May is talking about frictionless trade with EU. Correct me if I am wrong, but if the EU grants this to the UK, as a 'third country', then what point is there in the EU?

nunnington wrote:I see May is talking about frictionless trade with EU. Correct me if I am wrong, but if the EU grants this to the UK, as a 'third country', then what point is there in the EU?

Tracer Tong wrote:

nunnington wrote:I see May is talking about frictionless trade with EU. Correct me if I am wrong, but if the EU grants this to the UK, as a 'third country', then what point is there in the EU?

The EU already has many such trade deals in place with 'third countries', with Canada being the most recent. In terms of where that leaves the purpose of the EU, I guess it's whatever benefits the EU confers on its members beyond enabling "frictionless trade" between them.

ronmcd wrote:

Tracer Tong wrote:

nunnington wrote:I see May is talking about frictionless trade with EU. Correct me if I am wrong, but if the EU grants this to the UK, as a 'third country', then what point is there in the EU?

The EU already has many such trade deals in place with 'third countries', with Canada being the most recent. In terms of where that leaves the purpose of the EU, I guess it's whatever benefits the EU confers on its members beyond enabling "frictionless trade" between them.

I think the point is if UK can get a deal as good and seamless with EU but not be a member, why should it even exist? It won't happen - there has to be an advantage for being in EU, for paying into it, for taking part. The UK cannot have that from outside.