It’s the gift that keeps on giving, and Brexit was in the news again last week. Talk of a Swiss-style arrangement made the rounds, before being swiftly dismissed for good reason. The appeal of being your own boss, setting your own rules, and doing whatever the political donors want, is too great indeed.
The problem is, we just cut off more than 40% of our trading volume and businesses are struggling with a shortage of skilled labour. Say what you want about the largest common market in the world, but in the middle of a global supply chain crisis, it sure would be nice to source input from right next door.
Clearly, it can never go back to the way it was before. The divorce was too far from amicable, and both sides have been forced to move on. There is also no longer a free lunch on offer and access to 450 million customers will come at a price. Think of the other 27 members, who would otherwise also want their own deal.
However, something needs to be done and on that everyone can agree. It will inevitably end up being the UK-style agreement. Its contents nobody knows, but every year 250,000 people who voted for Brexit die, whilst 250,000 Remainers come of voting age. One thing is for sure: After the next elections, in some form or another, the UK is headed back to the EU.
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