Obama says EU membership makes Britain great

[rooster59]

Obama says EU membership makes Britain great



The US president said the the UK’s membership of the European Union magnified its influence in the world.

Barack Obama is supporting those who want Britain to remain in the block ahead of a referendum in June.

Obama was speaking on the same day he wrote an opinion article in Britain’s Telegraph newspaper appealing to voters to remain in the EU.

“The United States wants a strong United Kingdom as a partner and UK is at its best when it’s helping to lead a strong Europe,” said Obama. “It leverages UK power to be part of the European Union. As I wrote in the op-ed here today, I don’t believe the EU moderates British influence in the world, it magnifies it.”

“I’m very proud to have the opportunity to be prime minister and to stand outside the White House listening to this man, my friend Barack, say that the special relationship between our countries has never been stronger,” said British Prime Minister David Cameron. “But I’ve never felt constrained in any way in strengthening this relationship by the fact that that we’are in the European Union.”

Before their news conference,Cameron met with Obama in the foreign office in London. The two leaders discussed several topics, such as Ebola, the Iran nuclear issue and climate climate change.

Before the talks in Downing Street, Obama and his wife Michelle congratulated Queen Elizabeth who celebrated her ninetieth birthday on Thursday.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-04-23

[trainman34014]

And so says the most anti-British US President of my lifetime ! Go home Obama and stop meddling in British affairs.

[Grouse]

He said EU MAGNIFIES UK power

Correct

He is and has been a great president

If you don't understand that, may I suggest you read up on the matter?

[mopar71]

"The Obamas presented the queen with a custom photo album depicting her visits with U.S. presidents and first ladies, the White House said."

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/277241-obamas-give-queen-elizabeth-a-90th-birthday-gift

At least that is an improvement over the ipod they gave here in 2009 which included a couple of his speeches.

[SgtRock]

As POTUS, Obama's previous visits to the UK.

1 x G20 Summit.

2 x G8 Summits.

1 x NATO Summit.

The reason for this visit. Nothing to do with the UK being in the EU. A fear that TTIP will be dead in the water should the UK leave the EU.

Sorry Obama, you came for the wrong reasons, time to get in your jet back to Stateside and deal with America. It would appear that you have more than enough sh!t to deal with on your own doorstep.

[Scotwight]

And so says the most anti-British US President of my lifetime ! Go home Obama and stop meddling in British affairs.

I don't know how old you are but George Washington and James Madison both declared war against the British making them very anti British at the time. Harry Truman presided over the dismantling of the British Empire and the Pound Sterling at Bretton woods. Obama seems like a lightweight really.

[Grouse]

As POTUS, Obama's previous visits to the UK.

1 x G20 Summit.

2 x G8 Summits.

1 x NATO Summit.

The reason for this visit. Nothing to do with the UK being in the EU. A fear that TTIP will be dead in the water should the UK leave the EU.

Sorry Obama, you came for the wrong reasons, time to get in your jet back to Stateside and deal with America. It would appear that you have more than enough sh!t to deal with on your own doorstep.

The Queen's 90th birthday?

BTW your Pythonesque political system is so ineffectual that no one can get anything done. Is it mainly for humour?

[Grouse]

Your word Mr Obama means zero we are still waiting for the hope and change you promised.

Oh dear! Do I have to list all Obama's achievements? I will if you wish

[Mosha]

As POTUS, Obama's previous visits to the UK.

1 x G20 Summit.

2 x G8 Summits.

1 x NATO Summit.

The reason for this visit. Nothing to do with the UK being in the EU. A fear that TTIP will be dead in the water should the UK leave the EU.

Sorry Obama, you came for the wrong reasons, time to get in your jet back to Stateside and deal with America. It would appear that you have more than enough sh!t to deal with on your own doorstep.

150,000 signatures on a petition against the UK signing, the German public are none too keen either. Also these free trade areas aren't too popular in the USA either.

Sent from my SMART_4G_Speedy_5inch using Tapatalk

[Grouse]

Historically, protectionism doesn't work. The end

[craigt3365]

As POTUS, Obama's previous visits to the UK.

1 x G20 Summit.

2 x G8 Summits.

1 x NATO Summit.

The reason for this visit. Nothing to do with the UK being in the EU. A fear that TTIP will be dead in the water should the UK leave the EU.

Sorry Obama, you came for the wrong reasons, time to get in your jet back to Stateside and deal with America. It would appear that you have more than enough sh!t to deal with on your own doorstep.

Understood. But we do live in a global society. The US does a tremendous amount of business with the EU and the UK. Same in reverse. So, he is doing his job and he is focusing on America.

[mki8]

and what does he know about running a country...........................

Vote Brexit

EU, it tried, it failed

Time to move on, and abandon ship before all the lifeboats are taken

Why be part of a union, where the majority of its members are much worse off than yourself and expect you to prop them up

just makes no sense

[Walter Travolta]

The reason Obama was here was because of this up and coming referendum PERIOD

In recent years, there have been tragedies and deaths where POTUS should have been present in mourning said tragedies but didnt even bother to turn up!!

He did NOT even meet with the Israeli leader on a recent visit to USA!! And Israel is supposed to be a very close ally? So the question is . . .

Why the h3ll would he travel across the Atlantic for a 90 year old's birthday party???

In the news clip I saw, he politely threatened the British public that if Great Britain was to leave the EU, we would be at the back of any queue when it came to trade deals? He then seemed to imply that it would be easier to deal with one whole state (the EU) rather than individual countries!!!

I find his comments absolutely transparent. He is also another hypocrite. He wants freedom of movement in Europe, but has closed borders with Mexico and Canada!!! It's a complete joke! I notice he spoke about our friendship about trade, but failed to mention that we are USA's lapdog in all these avoidable wars they start.

I would be more than happy to cut all ties with USA

America buys most of its imports from China so I dont think Great Britain will suffer too much if baby Barak takes his spherical football home crying.

As for Cameron . . . . . true or false?

Happy St George's day fellow English expats

[craigt3365]

The reason Obama was here was because of this up and coming referendum PERIOD

In recent years, there have been tragedies and deaths where POTUS should have been present in mourning said tragedies but didnt even bother to turn up!!

He did NOT even meet with the Israeli leader on a recent visit to USA!! And Israel is supposed to be a very close ally? So the question is . . .

Why the h3ll would he travel across the Atlantic for a 90 year old's birthday party???

In the news clip I saw, he politely threatened the British public that if Great Britain was to leave the EU, we would be at the back of any queue when it came to trade deals? He then seemed to imply that it would be easier to deal with one whole state (the EU) rather than individual countries!!!

I find his comments absolutely transparent. He is also another hypocrite. He wants freedom of movement in Europe, but has closed borders with Mexico and Canada!!! It's a complete joke! I notice he spoke about our friendship about trade, but failed to mention that we are USA's lapdog in all these avoidable wars they start.

I would be more than happy to cut all ties with USA

America buys most of its imports from China so I dont think Great Britain will suffer too much if baby Barak takes his spherical football home crying.

As for Cameron . . . . . true or false?

Happy St George's day fellow English expats

Sorry, but not looking at the big picture:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom–United_States_relations#Trade.2C_investment_and_the_economy

The United States accounts for the United Kingdom's largest single export market, buying $57 billion worth of British goods in 2007.^%5B121%5D Total trade of imports and exports between the United Kingdom and the United States amounted to the sum of $107.2 billion in 2007.^%5B122%5D

The United States and the United Kingdom share the world's largest foreign direct investment partnership. In 2005, American direct investment in the United Kingdom totaled $324 billion while British direct investment in the United States totaled $282 billion.^%5B123%5D

In a press conference that made several references to the special relationship, US Secretary of State John Kerry, in London with UK Foreign Secretary William Hague on 9 September 2013, said:

"We are not only each other’s largest investors in each of our countries, one to the other, but the fact is that every day almost one million people go to work in America for British companies that are in the United States, just as more than one million people go to work here in Great Britain for American companies that are here. So we are enormously tied together, obviously. And we are committed to making both the U.S.-UK and the U.S.-EU relationships even stronger drivers of our prosperity."[

Old data, but shows the importance of bi-lateral trade. We live in a global economy. Can't ignore what's going on around you.

https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c4120.html

[Grouse]

and what does he know about running a country...........................

Vote Brexit

EU, it tried, it failed

Time to move on, and abandon ship before all the lifeboats are taken

Why be part of a union, where the majority of its members are much worse off than yourself and expect you to prop them up

just makes no sense

What exactly do you think has failed

Please explain

[mki8]

What exactly do you think has failed

Please explain

you think the EU is a thriving success ?

its not secure for starts

how many bailouts now ?

how does an influx of people without money and unwilling to work, coming from poor new member states help UK ?

Eu as it is now, has the better off countries (UK) looking to leave and many poorer countries looking to join

how is this a success ?

opposite of success is failure

i dont care for politics too much, as you can always argue the other way and just get nowhere (thats politics)

but you cannot say being in the EU has benefited the average man in UK

just as Scotland does not benefit from being in the UK, and would have been much better leaving UK

as Scotland generates a shtload of money for UK (oil, whiskey and other exports),

but it doesnt get the same back, as its spent in england instead

Personally, my opion is UK should exit EU, and then Scotland and wales should go for independance. as both got shtty deals at present.

[Walter Travolta]

The reason Obama was here was because of this up and coming referendum PERIOD

In recent years, there have been tragedies and deaths where POTUS should have been present in mourning said tragedies but didnt even bother to turn up!!

He did NOT even meet with the Israeli leader on a recent visit to USA!! And Israel is supposed to be a very close ally? So the question is . . .

Why the h3ll would he travel across the Atlantic for a 90 year old's birthday party???

In the news clip I saw, he politely threatened the British public that if Great Britain was to leave the EU, we would be at the back of any queue when it came to trade deals? He then seemed to imply that it would be easier to deal with one whole state (the EU) rather than individual countries!!!

I find his comments absolutely transparent. He is also another hypocrite. He wants freedom of movement in Europe, but has closed borders with Mexico and Canada!!! It's a complete joke! I notice he spoke about our friendship about trade, but failed to mention that we are USA's lapdog in all these avoidable wars they start.

I would be more than happy to cut all ties with USA

America buys most of its imports from China so I dont think Great Britain will suffer too much if baby Barak takes his spherical football home crying.

As for Cameron . . . . . true or false?

Happy St George's day fellow English expats

Sorry, but not looking at the big picture:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom–United_States_relations#Trade.2C_investment_and_the_economy

The United States accounts for the United Kingdom's largest single export market, buying $57 billion worth of British goods in 2007.^%5B121%5D Total trade of imports and exports between the United Kingdom and the United States amounted to the sum of $107.2 billion in 2007.^%5B122%5D

The United States and the United Kingdom share the world's largest foreign direct investment partnership. In 2005, American direct investment in the United Kingdom totaled $324 billion while British direct investment in the United States totaled $282 billion.^%5B123%5D

In a press conference that made several references to the special relationship, US Secretary of State John Kerry, in London with UK Foreign Secretary William Hague on 9 September 2013, said:

"We are not only each other’s largest investors in each of our countries, one to the other, but the fact is that every day almost one million people go to work in America for British companies that are in the United States, just as more than one million people go to work here in Great Britain for American companies that are here. So we are enormously tied together, obviously. And we are committed to making both the U.S.-UK and the U.S.-EU relationships even stronger drivers of our prosperity."[

Old data, but shows the importance of bi-lateral trade. We live in a global economy. Can't ignore what's going on around you.

https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c4120.html

John Kerry said . . . .

William Hague said . . . .

If you believe everything a politician says, you have your head in the sand so maybe you should have a look at what is going on around you? I am not sure where you reside or originate from but GB is getting peed on from a great height by being in the EU.

Another point I would like to make is that if GB was to 'go it alone' . . . . do you really think that the US and GB would stop trading? I feel you are one that believes anything a politician says? I like to think I can see alternative views and even though you cut and paste something to show your point, it looks like more politicians talking. Politicians talking usually means politicians lying, so I take your cherry picked nonsense as exactly that.

GB and USA would continue to trade.

I fear for people who do NOT see that Cameron has actually turned the tables and has used POTUS as his puppet this time to influence the public.

The problem with this, is that most people I know, and the general feeling, is that not too many in GB regard Barak as a good president.

Cameron has NO RIGHT to try and influence ANY votes either way in this referendum. After all, it IS a referendum, not a general election, so leave it to the media to get the debates going. Cameron is scaremongering the British public for his own gains, but really struggles to get any valid points across.

Look at what Farage and Boris are saying. They have no problems speaking the truth. The truth flows from the mouth without problem, lies however, stutter from the lips. Farage and Boris speak fluently. Cameron stutters . . .

The bigger picture is all well and good Craigt, but Im more concerned about the here and now

[craigt3365]

John Kerry said . . . .

William Hague said . . . .

If you believe everything a politician says, you have your head in the sand so maybe you should have a look at what is going on around you? I am not sure where you reside or originate from but GB is getting peed on from a great height by being in the EU.

Another point I would like to make is that if GB was to 'go it alone' . . . . do you really think that the US and GB would stop trading? I feel you are one that believes anything a politician says? I like to think I can see alternative views and even though you cut and paste something to show your point, it looks like more politicians talking. Politicians talking usually means politicians lying, so I take your cherry picked nonsense as exactly that.

GB and USA would continue to trade.

I fear for people who do NOT see that Cameron has actually turned the tables and has used POTUS as his puppet this time to influence the public.

The problem with this, is that most people I know, and the general feeling, is that not too many in GB regard Barak as a good president.

Cameron has NO RIGHT to try and influence ANY votes either way in this referendum. After all, it IS a referendum, not a general election, so leave it to the media to get the debates going. Cameron is scaremongering the British public for his own gains, but really struggles to get any valid points across.

Look at what Farage and Boris are saying. They have no problems speaking the truth. The truth flows from the mouth without problem, lies however, stutter from the lips. Farage and Boris speak fluently. Cameron stutters . . .

The bigger picture is all well and good Craigt, but Im more concerned about the here and now

Ummm...my stats were not from a politician. Just the one comment. Which I am sure could also be easily verified via a Google search.

I'm from the US, but haven't lived there in a long time. I don't know much about the UK and the EU, politically. I'm sure the US and GB would continue to trade, but your comment was:

I would be more than happy to cut all ties with USA

Thus, my reply.

[Walter Travolta]

John Kerry said . . . .

William Hague said . . . .

If you believe everything a politician says, you have your head in the sand so maybe you should have a look at what is going on around you? I am not sure where you reside or originate from but GB is getting peed on from a great height by being in the EU.

Another point I would like to make is that if GB was to 'go it alone' . . . . do you really think that the US and GB would stop trading? I feel you are one that believes anything a politician says? I like to think I can see alternative views and even though you cut and paste something to show your point, it looks like more politicians talking. Politicians talking usually means politicians lying, so I take your cherry picked nonsense as exactly that.

GB and USA would continue to trade.

I fear for people who do NOT see that Cameron has actually turned the tables and has used POTUS as his puppet this time to influence the public.

The problem with this, is that most people I know, and the general feeling, is that not too many in GB regard Barak as a good president.

Cameron has NO RIGHT to try and influence ANY votes either way in this referendum. After all, it IS a referendum, not a general election, so leave it to the media to get the debates going. Cameron is scaremongering the British public for his own gains, but really struggles to get any valid points across.

Look at what Farage and Boris are saying. They have no problems speaking the truth. The truth flows from the mouth without problem, lies however, stutter from the lips. Farage and Boris speak fluently. Cameron stutters . . .

The bigger picture is all well and good Craigt, but Im more concerned about the here and now

Ummm...my stats were not from a politician. Just the one comment. Which I am sure could also be easily verified via a Google search.

I'm from the US, but haven't lived there in a long time. I don't know much about the UK and the EU, politically. I'm sure the US and GB would continue to trade, but your comment was:

I would be more than happy to cut all ties with USA

Thus, my reply.

My apologies on that one Craigt. I take your point. Maybe I should have said "cut certain ties"

[jesimps]

He said EU MAGNIFIES UK power

Correct

He is and has been a great president

If you don't understand that, may I suggest you read up on the matter?

Great president my aris. Great for you lefties maybe.

Tell the big useless sod to keep his nose out of Brit affairs and sort out his own house.

[craigt3365]

He said EU MAGNIFIES UK power

Correct

He is and has been a great president

If you don't understand that, may I suggest you read up on the matter?

Great president my aris. Great for you lefties maybe.

Tell the big useless sod to keep his nose out of Brit affairs and sort out his own house.

As pointed out above, what happens in Britain and the EU has a huge impact on the US. So Obama is doing what we hired him to do. Keep the country going strong. OK...he's perhaps not done the best job there, but that's off topic.

[Scotwight]

He said EU MAGNIFIES UK power

Correct

He is and has been a great president

If you don't understand that, may I suggest you read up on the matter?

Great president my aris. Great for you lefties maybe.

Tell the big useless sod to keep his nose out of Brit affairs and sort out his own house.

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe you comment on American goings on in this forum. If you can comment on American things why can't Obama comment on British things? Are you somehow better than he?

No one has to listen to you or him as far as I know.

[samran]

Tell the big useless sod to keep his nose out of Brit affairs and sort out his own house.

There is a string of US and other Allied war cemeteries starting at Normandy stretching probably all the way to Berlin which suggests neither he, nor any other US (and allied leader) have to keep his nose out of this one.

As an Australian, it would be a pleasure to see Britain leave the EU so I can see those ashen faced performances of British trade negotiators as they go cap in hand to all their major trade partners for a trade agreement only to be told to get to the back of the line. It would be exquisite to watch the little englander's who lobbied for a Brexit looking to find a reason why a trade agreement might take 10 or so years to arrive at, and when you do eventually get there, look for explanations on why it will be sub-optimal to the one which being part of the EU affords you.

It would be extra sweet given it was the Brits with little sympathy cut out Australian, NZ, SA, Canada out of its trade arrangements abruptly in 1971 leaving us in the lurch, and which has taken many of us 30 to 40 years to repair -all at a disadvantage of not being part of a trading block.

But that is me as an Australian.

As an economist, I'd tell you you were daft. Being part of a major trading block is what it is all about. It gives you a level of influence that you'd never get being on your own. You are the top two or three influencers in the EU, and with that the ability to steer and advantage from that market is something not to be sneezed at.

So Obama has a point, it magnifies your influence.

[Grouse]

He said EU MAGNIFIES UK power

Correct

He is and has been a great president

If you don't understand that, may I suggest you read up on the matter?

Great president my aris. Great for you lefties maybe.

Tell the big useless sod to keep his nose out of Brit affairs and sort out his own house.

I am not a lefty but nor am I facist.

Do you really have no idea of what Obama has achieved? No, I suppose not.

As the USA does more trade with us than any other country, of course this issue affects them

I really don't get your point though I feel splattered with your bile

[samran]

Tell the big useless sod to keep his nose out of Brit affairs and sort out his own house.

There is a string of US and other Allied war cemeteries starting at Normandy stretching probably all the way to Berlin which suggests neither he, nor any other US (and allied leader) have to keep his nose out of this one.

As an Australian, it would be a pleasure to see Britain leave the EU so I can see those ashen faced performances of British trade negotiators as they go cap in hand to all their major trade partners for a trade agreement only to be told to get to the back of the line. It would be exquisite to watch the little englander's who lobbied for a Brexit looking to find a reason why a trade agreement might take 10 or so years to arrive at, and when you do eventually get there, look for explanations on why it will be sub-optimal to the one which being part of the EU affords you.

It would be extra sweet given it was the Brits with little sympathy cut out Australian, NZ, SA, Canada out of its trade arrangements abruptly in 1971 leaving us in the lurch, and which has taken many of us 30 to 40 years to repair -all at a disadvantage of not being part of a trading block.

But that is me as an Australian.

As an economist, I'd tell you you were daft. Being part of a major trading block is what it is all about. It gives you a level of influence that you'd never get being on your own. You are the top two or three influencers in the EU, and with that the ability to steer and advantage from that market is something not to be sneezed at.

So Obama has a point, it magnifies your influence.

From an Aussies point of view.....

Well, I've been enrolled to vote in the UK before. If I was still living there, I guess I'd have as much of a say on this as anyone.....

[Grouse]

Tell the big useless sod to keep his nose out of Brit affairs and sort out his own house.

There is a string of US and other Allied war cemeteries starting at Normandy stretching probably all the way to Berlin which suggests neither he, nor any other US (and allied leader) have to keep his nose out of this one.

As an Australian, it would be a pleasure to see Britain leave the EU so I can see those ashen faced performances of British trade negotiators as they go cap in hand to all their major trade partners for a trade agreement only to be told to get to the back of the line. It would be exquisite to watch the little englander's who lobbied for a Brexit looking to find a reason why a trade agreement might take 10 or so years to arrive at, and when you do eventually get there, look for explanations on why it will be sub-optimal to the one which being part of the EU affords you.

It would be extra sweet given it was the Brits with little sympathy cut out Australian, NZ, SA, Canada out of its trade arrangements abruptly in 1971 leaving us in the lurch, and which has taken many of us 30 to 40 years to repair -all at a disadvantage of not being part of a trading block.

But that is me as an Australian.

As an economist, I'd tell you you were daft. Being part of a major trading block is what it is all about. It gives you a level of influence that you'd never get being on your own. You are the top two or three influencers in the EU, and with that the ability to steer and advantage from that market is something not to be sneezed at.

So Obama has a point, it magnifies your influence.

From an Aussies point of view.....

From any educated person's (above primary) point of view'

[nontabury]

Tell the big useless sod to keep his nose out of Brit affairs and sort out his own house.

There is a string of US and other Allied war cemeteries starting at Normandy stretching probably all the way to Berlin which suggests neither he, nor any other US (and allied leader) have to keep his nose out of this one.

As an Australian, it would be a pleasure to see Britain leave the EU so I can see those ashen faced performances of British trade negotiators as they go cap in hand to all their major trade partners for a trade agreement only to be told to get to the back of the line. It would be exquisite to watch the little englander's who lobbied for a Brexit looking to find a reason why a trade agreement might take 10 or so years to arrive at, and when you do eventually get there, look for explanations on why it will be sub-optimal to the one which being part of the EU affords you.

It would be extra sweet given it was the Brits with little sympathy cut out Australian, NZ, SA, Canada out of its trade arrangements abruptly in 1971 leaving us in the lurch, and which has taken many of us 30 to 40 years to repair -all at a disadvantage of not being part of a trading block.

But that is me as an Australian.

As an economist, I'd tell you you were daft. Being part of a major trading block is what it is all about. It gives you a level of influence that you'd never get being on your own. You are the top two or three influencers in the EU, and with that the ability to steer and advantage from that market is something not to be sneezed at.

So Obama has a point, it magnifies your influence.

As a Brit I unreservedly apologies for the decision taken in 1971, however for the rest of your post,thanks for the laugh.

[samran]

Tell the big useless sod to keep his nose out of Brit affairs and sort out his own house.

There is a string of US and other Allied war cemeteries starting at Normandy stretching probably all the way to Berlin which suggests neither he, nor any other US (and allied leader) have to keep his nose out of this one.

As an Australian, it would be a pleasure to see Britain leave the EU so I can see those ashen faced performances of British trade negotiators as they go cap in hand to all their major trade partners for a trade agreement only to be told to get to the back of the line. It would be exquisite to watch the little englander's who lobbied for a Brexit looking to find a reason why a trade agreement might take 10 or so years to arrive at, and when you do eventually get there, look for explanations on why it will be sub-optimal to the one which being part of the EU affords you.

It would be extra sweet given it was the Brits with little sympathy cut out Australian, NZ, SA, Canada out of its trade arrangements abruptly in 1971 leaving us in the lurch, and which has taken many of us 30 to 40 years to repair -all at a disadvantage of not being part of a trading block.

But that is me as an Australian.

As an economist, I'd tell you you were daft. Being part of a major trading block is what it is all about. It gives you a level of influence that you'd never get being on your own. You are the top two or three influencers in the EU, and with that the ability to steer and advantage from that market is something not to be sneezed at.

So Obama has a point, it magnifies your influence.

As a Brit I unreservedly apologies for the decision taken in 1971, however for the rest of your post,thanks for the laugh.

Call it a laugh if you want. I follow trade policy relatively closely. I see how long these things take, how difficult they are to achieve.

Clearly you think yourself as special. I hope finding out you are not special trade-wise is a lesson you'll never have to learn.

But thanks for showing your hubris. It is telling.

[Walter Travolta]

Tell the big useless sod to keep his nose out of Brit affairs and sort out his own house.

There is a string of US and other Allied war cemeteries starting at Normandy stretching probably all the way to Berlin which suggests neither he, nor any other US (and allied leader) have to keep his nose out of this one.

As an Australian, it would be a pleasure to see Britain leave the EU so I can see those ashen faced performances of British trade negotiators as they go cap in hand to all their major trade partners for a trade agreement only to be told to get to the back of the line. It would be exquisite to watch the little englander's who lobbied for a Brexit looking to find a reason why a trade agreement might take 10 or so years to arrive at, and when you do eventually get there, look for explanations on why it will be sub-optimal to the one which being part of the EU affords you.

It would be extra sweet given it was the Brits with little sympathy cut out Australian, NZ, SA, Canada out of its trade arrangements abruptly in 1971 leaving us in the lurch, and which has taken many of us 30 to 40 years to repair -all at a disadvantage of not being part of a trading block.

But that is me as an Australian.

As an economist, I'd tell you you were daft. Being part of a major trading block is what it is all about. It gives you a level of influence that you'd never get being on your own. You are the top two or three influencers in the EU, and with that the ability to steer and advantage from that market is something not to be sneezed at.

So Obama has a point, it magnifies your influence.

So you are bitter because you feel betrayed by something that happened 45 years ago?

I would like to point out that TRADE is not the only talking point about whether Great Britain stays or opts out.

GB is literally on it's knees because of many reasons, all caused by the spineless governments we have had since 1990

We used to have a backbone the envy of the world for a nation of the size of Florida

Now we just bow down to all and sundry in fear of being labelled racist. It is St George's day today yet people are scared to fly the cross in case they are labelled racist. Another govt/council decision as to not upset whining minorities

I would love to answer Grouse in respect of what has gone wrong or failed under the EU, but I think electricity will have run out by the time I had listed everything!

[Grouse]

What exactly do you think has failed

Please explain

you think the EU is a thriving success ?

its not secure for starts

how many bailouts now ?

how does an influx of people without money and unwilling to work, coming from poor new member states help UK ?

Eu as it is now, has the better off countries (UK) looking to leave and many poorer countries looking to join

how is this a success ?

opposite of success is failure

i dont care for politics too much, as you can always argue the other way and just get nowhere (thats politics)

but you cannot say being in the EU has benefited the average man in UK

just as Scotland does not benefit from being in the UK, and would have been much better leaving UK

as Scotland generates a shtload of money for UK (oil, whiskey and other exports),

but it doesnt get the same back, as its spent in england instead

Personally, my opion is UK should exit EU, and then Scotland and wales should go for independance. as both got shtty deals at present.

Look at GDP per person since the 70s. Not bad!

What kind of security do you want? North Korea? After a Brexit we will have migrant camps in Kent and much reduced cooperation with mainland security. Again, I think we're doing quite well

What bailouts have we contributed to?

More low price labour for us and bigger market for products and services

Which "better off" countries want leave? Germany? Netherlands?

Scots get more money per head than UK

So, tell us again what your beef is?

Are you being undercut by a Bulgarian?

So we should leave?