UK & EU: BREAK UP TO MAKE UP

Written by Michael Thervil

Photo by Carl Court

With what became known to the world as “Brexit” roughly nine years ago, in which Britain and the European Union decided to part separate ways because Britain decided that it wanted to have the ability to control its own borders as a method of controlling immigration is now reconsidering it’s past action. The reason why Britain is reconsidering possibly rejoining the EU stems from the fact that not only is it struggling socio-economically, but it wants to have a way to both counter and protect itself from President Trump's declining interest in the European region. The world gets it as it seems as if everyone needs someone to lean on when one finds itself in signs of trouble.

But for Britain to get back into the EU, Britain would have to make several concessions regarding its position on how the EU operates and that means that Britain will have to reopen its borders to all countries within the EU bloc. This was one of the defining factors in why the EU was founded in the first place. To allow ease and unrestricted travel between all countries that fell into the EU charter was not only an act of convenience but a necessity giving the vast amounts of differences between all the countries that comprise the EU. Another reason Britain Brexit occurred was because Britain wanted to free itself from the regulatory constraints that the EU had over Britain who wanted to be self-governing.

Beside President Trump waning interest in the European market and pivot to Arab and Muslim states, instead of calling what it is a “reconciliation”, British Prime Minister Keir Stamer is calling for a “reset” between Britain and the EU. But this “Regrexit” or “Bregret” as many native Britons are calling it is necessary to save their ass from bearing the brunt of President Trump's reciprocal trade tariffs which will prove to sink their economy even further into oblivion. Although Britain and the EU have established a free trade agreement amongst themselves in which there are no tariffs applied to each other’s traded goods and products.

Petty issues such as fishing rights, e-passports,  and if university students can engage in cross-border employment are things that have to be ironed out between the two entities. While a possible realignment is being considered, Britain is seeking to have the ability to cut its own trade deals. But the one thing that Britain falls to understand is that you can't be broke and be choosy – it's going to have to pick a struggle. If the EU allows Britain to cut its own trading deals, then other countries that are a part of the EU seek the same concessions, and they should.

Outside of petty differences and trade, another major reason for both entities to reunite is because of their aligned positions on Ukraine. Why either Britain or the EU wants to back Ukraine when they barely have the economic means to do so is beyond the comprehension of any political analysis. The question is what do they have in their possession that could remotely turn the tides of Ukraine's war of provocation against Russia? No one knows – not even them.