PM Boris Johnson trip to Germany and France did not rattle EU, he came back empty handed. He was told by Angela Merkel of Germany to come up with a proposal in 30 days’ time on the withdrawal agreement without changing the core issues which included the Irish border question.
Similarly President Emmanuel Macron of France did not agree to make any changes on the core issues.
Boris Johnson should first of all withdraw the red lines the former PM Theresa May had included in the withdrawal agreement to get the ball rolling.
It appears Boris Johnson with the support of his friend President Donald Trump has already made up his mind for a no deal Brexit though outwardly he is saying wants to make a deal.
The disadvantages of no deal Brexit will be numerous, such as:
*There will be significant consequences for the digital economy.
*UK telecommunication are currently part of Telecommunications Regulators EU. This split will increase the prices for the consumers. It will also affect broadband networks. Roaming charges will be reintroduced.
* UK will have to comply with GDPR after Brexit.
According to former Chancellor of Exchequer Phillip Hammond quitting EU without a trade agreement in place could cost the country £90bn.
Trade logistics will suffer as UK would revert to WTO rules, which means UK exports to the Eurozone would face the same custom checks and tariffs as other non-member states.
The ending of Brexit would likely lead to shortages and price increases for a number of goods and also cause significant delays on both sides. This will also jeopardise the Good Friday Agreement and cause difficulties at the Irish border.
OBR warns this will push up public sector borrowing by £30bn. This will take the country into recession with asset prices and pound falling sharply.
Therefore, if these problems cannot be addressed or solved, it time for wise counsel to prevail to avoid the no deal Brexit.
Baldev Sharma
Rayners Lane, Harrow
