Great Britain is not an Island

[HoreTore]

2 - I am quite convinced a majority of British foreign trade is with the EU. Strangely, I can't find a link.

The CIA has you covered, Louis! And since this isn't about any WMD's, I think we can trust them....

Export partners:
US 14.2%, Germany 11.1%, France 8.1%, Ireland 8%, Netherlands 6.8%, Belgium 5.3%, Spain 4.5%, Italy 4.1% (2007)

Import Partners:
Germany 14.2%, US 8.7%, China 7.3%, Netherlands 7.3%, France 6.9%, Belgium 4.7%, Norway 4.7%, Italy 4.2% (2007)

The economy of Britain is, indeed, on the continent. The only thing stopping that would be the coming Indian/Chinese powerhouse, and by then we'll all be in that situation. Together.

And we all know that the real reason Britain resists the euro is because of the national-romantic dream of the Pound and it's former glory. Brits do love to dream of the past, with their great empire, economy, army... They'll probably wake up eventually though. If not, their 3 remaining ships(boats) won't even be able to fend of the Norwegian navy

That's a good scenario, actually. But I doubt we'll pillage and rape this time... Judging by the standards of british women nowadays, I'd say we should stick with the pillaging.

[Jolt]

Judging by the standards of british women nowadays, I'd say we should stick with the pillaging.

[JR-]

And we all know that the real reason Britain resists the euro is because of the national-romantic dream of the Pound and it's former glory. Brits do love to dream of the past, with their great empire, economy, army... They'll probably wake up eventually though. If not, their 3 remaining ships(boats) won't even be able to fend of the Norwegian navy

That's a good scenario, actually. But I doubt we'll pillage and rape this time... Judging by the standards of british women nowadays, I'd say we should stick with the pillaging.

I won't argue about British women, there is a reason why i have a girlfriend from the continent, but jokes aside you are yet another person that has failed to provide any reason to explain WHY britain would be better off using the euro than sterling...............

And given that this thread is actually about the politics of Britains 'perverse' desire to remain apart from our EUro-integrationist cousins across the water............. you could probably do with weaving that into your argument, otherwise your comment is better left in the; Is it time for Britain to join the Euro thread.

[Sarmatian]

I won't argue about British women, there is a reason why i have a girlfriend from the continent, but jokes aside you are yet another person that has failed to provide any reason to explain WHY britain would be better off using the euro than sterling...............

Check the exchange rate when euro was first introduced and check it now. Since most of the British trading is with the countries on the continent, I'd think that's reason enough.

Just a few days ago I've read that Fabio Capello lost 1.2 million euros because of that...

[JR-]

Check the exchange rate when euro was first introduced and check it now. Since most of the British trading is with the countries on the continent, I'd think that's reason enough.

our exporters will benefit, our financial sector will suffer, but on balance...............

[Incongruous]

I think the animosity toward the UK as indicated by the French government's policy on farm subsidies is yet another reason why the UK will continue to view EUrope with dislike.

That and Brussels absurd policy on Turkey...

[Sarmatian]

our exporters will benefit, our financial sector will suffer, but on balance...............

Exporting benefit of inflation is overrated. Sure it's there, but quite limited, it's beneficial between let's say 1-3%, depending on the circumstances. Over that cons far outweigh the pros. But let's say it's beneficial, doesn't matter how high. It will make British goods cheaper on the continent, thus stimulation British exports but at the same time it will make continental goods more expensive in Britain, and you're importing more from Germany then you're exporting to Germany, same with France, Netherlands, Belgium etc...

I think in the long run it would be beneficial for UK to switch to euro. It's not like British economy is going to collapse if it doesn't but holding on to something because of conservatism or national pride when other option offer practical benefits isn't the best way to go.

[Incongruous]

Practicality, what a wonderful word, hardly one EUrope can be maiking however

[Brenus]

“all valid reasons for a non-Brit to want us in the euro”. So, only non-Brits working in UK go in holidays in Spain, programme their Stag Night in Amsterdam, have relatives in Ireland and buy properties in France, Spain and even Croatia. I did notice a lot of English in Calais, mind you. Ok, they could have been Irish or Welsh….

[JR-]

Exporting benefit of inflation is overrated. Sure it's there, but quite limited, it's beneficial between let's say 1-3%, depending on the circumstances. Over that cons far outweigh the pros. But let's say it's beneficial, doesn't matter how high. It will make British goods cheaper on the continent, thus stimulation British exports but at the same time it will make continental goods more expensive in Britain, and you're importing more from Germany then you're exporting to Germany, same with France, Netherlands, Belgium etc...

I think in the long run it would be beneficial for UK to switch to euro. It's not like British economy is going to collapse if it doesn't but holding on to something because of conservatism or national pride when other option offer practical benefits isn't the best way to go.

against the damage euro harmonisation will cause to the competitive advantage of our financial sector?

the financial sector in the city of london brings in to the exchequer nearly one third of corporation tax tax from the whole of the UK.

you can just see how happy frankfurt and paris would be to see london adopt the same financial regulations as the rest of the continent.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Export partners:
US 14.2%, Germany 11.1%, France 8.1%, Ireland 8%, Netherlands 6.8%, Belgium 5.3%, Spain 4.5%, Italy 4.1% (2007)

Import Partners:
Germany 14.2%, US 8.7%, China 7.3%, Netherlands 7.3%, France 6.9%, Belgium 4.7%, Norway 4.7%, Italy 4.2% (2007)

Is there ANYBODY with whom we yanks do NOT have a trade defecit?

[Sarmatian]

Is there ANYBODY with whom we yanks do NOT have a trade defecit?

I'm pretty sure you don't have one with Serbia. Your surplus might go up to three or four thousand dollars

[Brenus]

“provide any reason to explain WHY britain would be better off using the euro”
1- To end the English banks robbery of Exchange rate, to be able to use the same money in Ireland, Germany, France
2 - to be able to compare de visu our salaries and charges with the rest of them.
3 - Spend your hard earned money without having to calculate how much it is in Pounds…
4 - Not having foreign useless coins in a jar on the top of the fridge waiting for the next time you will need them…
The last one is the most convincing....

[JR-]

“provide any reason to explain WHY britain would be better off using the euro”
1- To end the English banks robbery of Exchange rate, to be able to use the same money in Ireland, Germany, France
2 - to be able to compare de visu our salaries and charges with the rest of them.
3 - Spend your hard earned money without having to calculate how much it is in Pounds…
4 - Not having foreign useless coins in a jar on the top of the fridge waiting for the next time you will need them…
The last one is the most convincing....

all valid reasons for a non-Brit to want us in the euro...............................