Apparently we're pissed at the UK, again.
Posted on 10/29/2015 2:33:04 PM PDT by amorphous
One of the most important decisions Brits have to make before the end of 2017 (most likely some time next year) is whether or not to remain in the European Union, and while recent polls have those willing to stay in as the majority, there has been a spike in support for leaving the bloc which coupled with Europe's refugee crisis has made a Brexit an all too possible outcome.
Which probably explains why the U.S., confident it sill has veto power over democracies anywhere in the world, has just made it quite clear to UK's citizens which way they should vote.
According to the Guardian, the US trade representative, Michael Froman, in the first public comments from a senior US official on the matter, said that "the United States is not keen on pursuing a separate free trade deal with Britain if it leaves the European Union."
Just like in the case of Scotland's vote last year, trade is being used a key bargaining chip, or rather ultimatum: vote the way we want, or else. Guardian adds that Froman’s comments on Wednesday undermine a key economic argument deployed by proponents of exit, who say Britain would prosper on its own and be able to secure bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) with trading partners.
The US is Britain’s biggest export market after the EU, buying more than $54bn (£35bn) in goods from the UK in 2014.
“I think it’s absolutely clear that Britain has a greater voice at the trade table being part of the EU, being part of a larger economic entity,†Froman told Reuters, adding that EU membership gives Britain more leverage in negotiations.
“We’re not particularly in the market for FTAs with individual countries. We’re building platforms … that other countries can join over time.â€
(Excerpt) Read more at zerohedge.com ...
Obama gets a thrill every time he threatens one of our long time allies.
The enemy within...
Barry being Barry again
Thanks, Barky.
I understand that a shift in UK trade status requires some attention to the details of trade agreements, but strong arming them? That’s uncalled for!
Obama can’t be gone soon enough. With Obama, America’s friends are saying, “With friends like this who needs enemies?”
Throw the tea in the harbor.
Hear let me fix the title. Obama wants to keep Brittan in the European union threatens Brittan with trade barriers.
Apparently we're pissed at the UK, again.
I look forward to Nigel Farage’s comments.
Proof positive as if anymore were needed, the EU is a malignant parasite on the nations of Europe.
I don’t believe we’ll have a friend left by the time he’s out of office.
If I were Trump, I’d make some visits and mend some fences.
First of all, I’d beg for the Churchill bust back so it could be there on my first day.
His Feculence, 0bikinis Caligula Nero..
“0baminus”
And if I were Cruz, I’d task Trump with doing the very thing of which you suggest. ;-)
Uniparty / World Government bump for later...
Oh aure...
= :^p
Barry has always hated the Brits.
This is just an excuse.
So do I.
What is with the one-worlders loving the EU? Clown Prince nobama is a certifiable loser.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.