Can we skip straight to Wotsits data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
If only we could have membership in a trading block providing us with equivalent trading power to the US and protecting us from exploitation.
If only we could be in a trading block that didn't want to also rule our lives, led to mass migration and wanted billions from us.
Is there one?
Unfortunately we were a member of a trading block where we didn't like the rules.
So we left the trading block and have asked to contribute with a different set of rules that we do like, and they've come back and have said, the rules are the rules.
Our new problem is that, now we are not actually part of the trading block, we have no chance of changing those rules.
But we all knew this anyway, so no one should be surprised about the outcome.
Unfortunately the trading block we joined and had no problem with, decided to become a superstate. Rather than object to things like the Lisbon treaty or be allowed a referendum on it, the common market we joined pursued the goal of ever closer union which was at odds with us.
This prompted a surge of support for Ukip, the Conservatives having to promise a referendum in a manifesto and a vote to leave.
While in we were never listened to and even threatening to leave wasn't enough. Don't delude yourself. We were never going to stop this. In or out.
How much luck did we have changing them when we were part of the block? (Rhetorical question)
We didn't much, but I guess we had some influence.
But that isn't the point.It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out if we can't change the rules while we contribute and potentially vote on them, what makes us think we can change them once we've left.
I agree, it is either (a) Stay in the EU or (b) Pick one of the other options that other non EU countries have already. e.g. Norway model. Canada model.
The idea of the UK picking and choosing was never going to work.
No two countries have the same relationship with the EU. There's no reason why we should.