Boris Johnson has been in politics four times longer than Donald Trump has. He is no Trump tribute act, and it probably annoys him no end that he keeps being described as one. So, does he really want a trade deal with the United States at all? For that matter, does Trump really want one with Britain, either?
The TTIP and NAFTA style of rules appeals neither to Trump, nor to Johnson's opportunistic but useful cultivation of a Britain both free to pursue its own economic policy without interference from Brussels, and free to pursue its own foreign policy without interference from Washington.
There is already plenty of trade between our two countries. The only reason for a formal deal would be to sell off the National Health Service, and Johnson has angrily ruled that one out on several occasions. In which case, why not just leave things as they are?
The Right of each main British party would be furious, but neither of them has anywhere else to go. The Labour Right hates Johnson, and in any case it is about to take back control of its own party. The Conservative Right has thrown in its lot with Johnson, much as it did with Margaret Thatcher, whom it gave far more grief than is usually remembered now, but about whom it could do nothing because she was its shield.
The TTIP and NAFTA style of rules appeals neither to Trump, nor to Johnson's opportunistic but useful cultivation of a Britain both free to pursue its own economic policy without interference from Brussels, and free to pursue its own foreign policy without interference from Washington.
There is already plenty of trade between our two countries. The only reason for a formal deal would be to sell off the National Health Service, and Johnson has angrily ruled that one out on several occasions. In which case, why not just leave things as they are?
The Right of each main British party would be furious, but neither of them has anywhere else to go. The Labour Right hates Johnson, and in any case it is about to take back control of its own party. The Conservative Right has thrown in its lot with Johnson, much as it did with Margaret Thatcher, whom it gave far more grief than is usually remembered now, but about whom it could do nothing because she was its shield.
I will be standing for Parliament again here at North West Durham next time, so please give generously. In any event, please email davidaslindsay@hotmail.com. Very many thanks.
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