Opinion: The European Super League [it’s all about the money(!)] and forgetting the fans

It is now officially that there been made a deal or an agreement to form an European Super League. This has been made with the American Bank JP Morgan and other owners of European Clubs. This being the owners of the 15 big Football Clubs.

The clubs who is involved is Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Athletico Madrid, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus. These together will form the core of the league. That is 12 clubs with additional 6 teams to become 18 teams league.

This is a formation made with the financial backers and owners of the clubs. These are oligarchs and wealthy hedge-fund owners who is trying to make their own cash cow, which they control and not involving either UEFA or FIFA. These clubs will run the tournament and be the chiefs in their own house. These is all founded by the financial backers and the ones owning the clubs. It is their own drive to make a more profitable enterprise.

The Super League at this point is slated to start in the 2023-24 season. This means the club will be preparing for the shift and the machinery behind the launch of the League until then. The managers and the clubs will be making preparations for it. While they might focus less on the National Leagues or the European Cups (Euro League and Champions League). They maybe not even care about the FIFA Club World Cup. Therefore, this is creating their whole own additional thing without considering the implications of the current tournaments the clubs already participate and is members off.

The modern day football have been driven by money. The salaries and the revenue have reached epic sums. The clubs, the merchandise and licensing is profitable enterprise for the European elites. The clubs has fans worldwide and the stars has posters everywhere. That is why these clubs who signs up to this Super League could profit and make vast fortunes to cover the eventual debt or prices of operation. However, they are also not respecting the football’s governing bodies or the traditional tournaments, which have made the sport and the clubs big in the first place.

This clubs didn’t grow on a island. They grew as a part of a football body and part of the evolution of football. These clubs have been part of the changes with UEFA and their National Leagues. If they feel to big for these bodies now. Then they are disrespecting the national associations and their roles in supporting their growth. The clubs are grand and great, because the Football Associations and supporters made them huge.

If they would pick the Super League and do this deal. Take the bait and the funds. They would have fight for relevancy and be a secondary league or tournament to the ones already existing. These are sort of making their “upper echelon” Champions League and formalizing it. The elite making their own league and ignoring the other champions of Europe. They are not caring for the second tier from the other states who also can get their cut and sometime meet the giants at their field. That is the beauty of this game.

Now this will block the greatness of the possibility of seeing the Messi’s and Ronaldo’s against the national heroes of Eastern Europe or Central Europe who could only dream about challenging such big stars on the pitch. They are now relegated by default and by the cynic approach of outside owners who see the money, but not the heart of the game.

If I we’re a Liverpool support. I would turn to Everton. Similar with the other clubs. If they decide to do this. Yes, UEFA and the National Association have to take their turns. They got to show force and enforce strict rules. So, that the ones that betrays the leagues get punished. However, this only proves what the American Money-Ball people thinks. They can juice up the clubs and make them invisible to the rest. Instead of investing and securing a better football product for all supporters.

This is corporate greed, which has grown strong into the Football Community. This is the market driven and profit thinking. Instead of loving the game. This is the owners taking it all in their hands, using their leverage and trying to forge their own rules. Instead of using all governing bodies of Football. Yes, FIFA and UNICEF have become cash-cows and big business too. Still, they are capable of exporting and making the sport more interesting for the supporter. Yes, they have made greedy agreements and shady transactions, which the manner they have traded the World Cup on the International Stage.

However, the National Leagues and European Cups have been successful and grown massive interests. That’s because of the competitive nature and international interests on these competitions. This is why the world is following Champions League, Euro League and the other National Leagues like Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and others. Which has all created interests and fans all across the globe.

If the big-teams ditches this and creates their own by corporate interests, instead of their fans. They are losing their key ingredient to why they became big-clubs in the first place. If the fans and supporters ditches the Super League and forget these clubs. Then they are losers and have huge bills to pay for empty stadiums. It maybe not happening at first. However, when they are not participating in ordinary leagues or competitions. What will drive them to make them better or challenge for titles? When they are in their secluded little league… of giants… who just plays along themselves.

That will end hurt themselves. It might work for a few seasons if the backers are lucky, but the prospects and the greatness will fade. As these will not have growth potential or glory in their respective fields anymore. They will be lonely in their own tournament and maybe not allowed to return to respective leagues and such.

In previous times, when clubs have demoted or breached rules. They have lost points, been relegated and even pre-fixed to struggle in the up-coming season. If these clubs abandon their respective leagues and wants to return “home”. Then the associations should use measures to stifle and make them pay for their disloyalty. Also, in a way where the club pay a hefty price and also on the pitch. Since the owners didn’t value the additional support or the traditional leagues.

The Super League is the Money-Ball experiment in Europe. American investors and corporations thinking they can juice up a cash-cow and call it a day. Where they can use strong brands and huge platforms to make a “World Series” and hope for a “Super Bowl”. While forgetting about the UEFA cups and the importance of national leagues. This is why this is a destructive move and as a supporter of football. A tragic move. A move made only for the pockets and not for the heart of the game. Peace.

Opinion: Putin been the supreme leader since 2000 [and the latest deadline ends in 2036]

President Vladimir Putin took over power after Boris Jeltsin resigned on New Years Eve in 1999. Since then Putin have been the man in Moscow and its has been all about the KGB agent. Who has reigned supreme and continues to do so. 

Putin have really reigned everyone in. Changed law when needed be. Silenced critics. Killing them off with poison abroad and used all means to gain more power. With every day and every year he seems to get more consolidated in power. Even when the newest critics and dissidents gets a name abroad. His still able to catch it all and control it. Though it hurts his pride and his ego that people like Nalvanyj is creating headlines. That people are going streets over his messages and videos. They are supposed to praise their Tsar and forever Prince, Putin.

Vladimir has a legacy and has been able to keep himself put. He has even stirred the presses abroad as his tactics and possible meddling is now known about. That his FSB and other agencies are involved in cyber crimes and data dumps. The Russians are using new means to sway public opinion and even uses social media to get their candidates elected across the world.

Putin has surely made himself a name. Vladimir Putin is known across the world. The Russian President for life. The tyrant and the mastermind of Kremlin. The man who gets his wishes. Who gets to live in a palace of greatness. Who has massive wealth and hangs out with oligarchs. And if the Oligarchs questions his rule. They could loose it all and weaponize the courts against them. So, that their wealth vanish as quickly as it is possible and the fear keeps them loyal to him.

Russia isn’t thriving anymore. Russia is tired. They are using all means to cause fights with Kiev. Putin is playing to nationalist aspiration and loyalty to the “crown”. Putin wants to be the Tsar so badly. He wants the Winter Palace and be epic Soviet ruler. However, he will be remembered for all the people he killed. Putin will be remembered for all the laws and the silencing of the people.

Putin will not be remembered kindly, except for the ones who profited on his reign and who built careers around it. They will cry and be in sorrow when his gone. The rest will hope for an reformer and someone who aspires for change. That is why Nalvanyj and the likes is hitting a nerve. These folks are able to get the truth and get people to march in the streets for a just cause. A cause that is working against the status quo.

Putin wants to be loved and be the big man. Vladimir wants to be known as the powerful and silent leader. Though his actions is well known and he uses all means to get things done. Putin doesn’t spare anyone their demise. He will ensure it happens, if they are leaking or even going after what is his.

That is why the new law giving him another 15 years on the throne was to be anticipated. By the man who has ruled successfully since the beginning of 2000. He had a second term as Prime Minister in the middle of that. Nevertheless, that was a small time play to make it seems like he “stepped a bit down”. He came straight back to the Presidency and Dmitry Medvedev was demoted back to Prime Minister. Medvedev had before that been the Deputy Prime Minister, as he had agreed the “tandem rule”.

Since then, the one term of Medvedev have been the only “break” for Putin. Which only seems to be preoccupied with ensuring his reign never ends. Putin will be the Tsar and the Tyrant of Moscow for another decade. All elections and all other electoral actions will only be sham elections to secure his “legitimacy”. That is the reality of it all. This law is only made to make him President for Life. Peace.

Opinion: Does the Nolan Principals matter anymore? [or is Boris Johnson above them?]

Prime Minster Boris Johnson is in a new scandal. His whole reign has filled with it. Somehow his skating by and getting away from it. The Cabinet Secretaries can do whatever, so can his closest associates and it doesn’t cost him anything. It is sort of his demeanour that is obnoxious.

Usually, someone in his place would act with care. A Prime Minister would be careful and wouldn’t try to keep things hidden away. Neither, not enlighten the world on his acts or what he possibly has done. Every time there been questions of inquiries into questionable spending, communication or usage of public funds. The Whitehall or Downing Street will not do it or have no plans of doing so.

The same government that can with ease return people who has been living for generations in the United Kingdom Can suddenly become exiled or sent away from what they have called home for over 20 years. The Windrush Generation could just be shipped back to the Caribbean without any hesitation. However, the same principal isn’t applicable to the Prime Minister or his Cabinet.

No, these guys can get away with anything. They are supposed to follow certain principals and guidelines as civil servants. However, those Nolan Principals isn’t worth anything. Neither is the word integrity, accountability or honesty. As the Prime Minister doesn’t care about either of these.

This man cannot be loyal or honest to his wives. A man with two ex-wives and several of mistresses. One is following another and its a steady stream of them. His now living in Downing Street with his current girlfriend. Which is fine and dandy. He can love whoever he wants, but the manner happens is troubling with his role as the Prime Minister.

Especially, when he has done so with several. The mannerism where he can be a “ladies man” and easily cheat on them. He jumps from one bedmate to another. Like his trying to have a shagaton, which he couldn’t do at Eaton. Gods know why his like this, but he clearly cannot keep his pecker in order. He just got to stick it in and do it while his respective other is somewhere else. Such a Casanova and big pimpin’ moves.

Boris Johnson isn’t just a private person. His also a head of state. That adds much pressure on his personal life and life choices. At that sort of position. You cannot act like a nonchalant pick-up artist. Even if the office gives you more finesse and ability to get laid. That has been the downfall of plenty leaders in history and they have to resign for betraying their trust.

Now, Boris has a decision and it will not be easy. Will he downplay the affairs and what it has costed? Will he act unaccountable, untrustworthy and dishonest? Is that all the that the PM has? It is seemingly so at this point.

Prime Minister Johnson your role in government isn’t made for you to get girls. The PM should come clean. He got a history of cheating and mischief at home. When he does this to his loved ones, what will he be capable of doing in office? If he can easily lie and play them… what will he do to everyone else?

That is what the general public should think off. That is what the Conservative Party should consider too. Is that the sort ideal they have of leadership?

A lying conniving cheat and an adulterer, who is supposed to be head of state? Is that who they are and is that values of the Tories?

I don’t have the answers, but if the Tories are saying others should comply in Public Service to the Nolan Principals, shouldn’t the PM be the first in line? Peace.

Opinion: Priti Patel’s expenses raises some eyebrows

The Conservative Member of Parliament and Home Secretary Priti Patel isn’t new to controversy or scandal. She has been in the wind before and had to resign as late as in 2017. The then International Development Secretary held 12 secret meetings with Israeli Prime Minister, Other Government Figures and Conservative Lobbyist. All of this secrecy and breach of ministerial code lead to her resignation in then Prime Minister Theresa May’s time.

Now, in the middle of a downturn economically in the United Kingdom. Not only the economic hardships that has the world as a result of the global pandemic. However, also as a result of the Brexit and Withdrawal from the European Union (EU). The UK is facing much more harder financial and economic realities in the near distant future and even in present time.

That is why a Conservative and a Minister should uphold the highest standard and not misuse its office. As it is a privilege to already be representing the constituents and later get the honourable office of a Secretary position in the Cabinet. That is what Patel should have considered and even thought. However, her own actions just last and the revelation of spending. Shows that she is reckless and doesn’t value her station.

During the last year she has already been saved by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he has kept her. In the middle of the scandal, in which, she was alleged to have bullied her staff in the Home Office. There was even a supposed cover-up of a report in which it stated her breaches of Ministerial Codes. This have yet to be released, but shows how far Johnson goes to defend her and keep her in the cabinet.

Priti Patel can clearly do whatever she sees fit. There is other standards for the Windrush Generation and the ones who caught in the scandals concerning them. These folks are just chavs and can easily be replaced. Nevertheless, a prestigious and honourable like Patel deserves her role and office.

That is how it seems. Now she can spend money willy-nilly without any consequences. Can pamper herself. Buy expensive stuff and just use the Home Office for personal perks. There are so many benefits and these wouldn’t even be spent on the ones suffering on Benefit Street. No, she can have luxurious eye-lashes and whatnot. It will be spent on the public’s dime. Because, she deserves it. While school-kids cannot even get a lunch-meal worth eating. Patel on the other hand can go a pub in Oxford and other posh restaurants. It must be splendid to live the life of Priti Patel.

A person who can cause so much self-inflicted damage and still be saved by the Prime Minister. A person that can breach the Ministerial Code time and time again. While others have to take their cross and go. She on the other hand can use a small fortune treating her hair. If not, just have a bargain of a tasty cupcakes.

Priti Patel have a knack for this sort of behaviour. Where she gets into trouble and someone else has to save her. I wonder if Boris Johnson will be able to downplay or even get her out of this. Now it might be different.

Still, I doubt this will cost her the Office. She will be the Home Secretary. When he could bury a report. The same man can easily let her off the hook her too. Peace.

Opinion: The Royal Family never learns …

In our day and age, the story of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This isn’t the first time a United Kingdom Prince is marrying a socialite. It has happened before and it had ramification last time too. We can either learn from history or repeat it. Nevertheless, in this instance. It seems like the Royalties and Royal Family is continuing similar practice of the past.

What happened to Harry and Meghan happened to someone else in 1936. History reports this: “In France, the duke of Windsor—formerly King Edward VIII of Great Britain and Northern Ireland—marries Wallis Warfield, a divorced American socialite for whom he abdicated the British throne in December 1936” (…) “The new king proved popular with his subjects, and his coronation was scheduled for May 1937. His affair with Mrs. Simpson was reported in American and continental European newspapers, but due to a gentlemen’s agreement between the British press and the government, the affair was kept out of British newspapers. On October 27, 1936, Mrs. Simpson obtained a preliminary decree of divorce, presumably with the intent of marrying the king, precipitating a major scandal” (History.Com – ‘Duke of Windsor weds American socialite’ 02.06.2020).

Well, Prince Harry isn’t the coming King, but the sixth in the line. So, his role in the Royal Family isn’t as vital as King Edward VIII. He was the next in line and would become King. While he instead choose to marry a divorce socialite. He ended up living in exile in France.

While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have instead decided to move from the United Kingdom. They have gotten married, a baby (Archie) and later “stepping down as members of the Royal Family”. This all happened within three years. It is a real connection between Harry and Meghan. A love story that conquers all.

This is why its so hurting to know that they are both in pain because of their choice of staying together. Harry moved from the United Kingdom to shield his wife and their baby. He did together with Meghan move to the United States and Canada. This means they are not part of roles and “disconnected” in some way from the rest of the Royal Family.

That they feel the need to do so isn’t weird. The knowledge of how vicious and despicable the British Tabloids are and also how vengeful the royalties are themselves. That is why some says the treatment Meghan is getting is similar to late Princess Diana.

What is tragic is that the Royal Family knows the history of Edward VIII and Princess Diana. These are lives that was changed because of the institution and the way it handles its “new” members. Right now its doing this to Meghan and Harry. They are victims of the old institution and its “ideals”. Instead of being a family, it is a secluded club where only certain people can be accepted and be parts of it.

Meghan doesn’t seem to fit the “profile” and therefore gets the blunt attacks towards her, which nobody deserves. She is a target and someone who is getting this treatment just for being herself. That isn’t fair and the racism shouldn’t be a thing. Neither should Archie be questioned for being a third culture kid. This just shows the intent of the Royal family and also how intolerant it is.

Prince Harry and Meghan did the right thing to leave and “resign” their roles in the Royalties. That couldn’t be easy for Harry and neither for Meghan. However, he did it for love. Just like King Edward VIII abdicated to be the husband to Wallis Warfield. Therefore, we are reliving the past and the royal family have apparently not learned a single thing.

It is like it won’t understand a simple factor of life. If you meet your soul-mate and your significant other. You are willing to risk it all and not caring about the consequences. It is just like they consider the institution more than the family members itself. Instead of seeing the love blossom and promote the relationship between Harry and Meghan. The royal family have only given them the option to split from it.

That is the tragedy here. The Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace could have known better. The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family could have cared about this. Instead, they rather want to shield itself and not even safeguard Meghan from everything. They are accepting the tarnishing words and going after her in a malicious way.

In 1936 an American Socialite rocked the Royalties and in our time another socialite or Hollywood actor is doing the same. Both times the Royal Member left and went to live abroad. This says it all and shouldn’t be a thing in 2021. However, we seem to yet again repeat history and learn nothing from the past. Peace.

Brexit: Will the Tories tap-out the Bottled Water Industry?

The UK currently has 86 recognised sources which can be used to bottle mineral water and they are located in 61 locations across the country, from St Ives in Cornwall to the remote Northmaven peninsula in the Shetland Islands. Although it is difficult to find out how much this type of bottled water is worth in the UK, it is estimated that the total worth of the sector is £2.7 billion” (Alexandre Nobajas – ‘HOW BREXIT COULD DRAIN BRITAIN’S BOTTLED MINERAL WATER INDUSTRY DRY’ 21.02.2021, Keely University).

The recent letter from 14 Members of Parliament from the Tories are really telling. They have over the weekend on the 27th February 2021 prosed a “Bottled Water” Ban across the Channel. Do a trade-war-esque move. They sent this to Lord Frost, the newly appointed Brexit Minister and Chief Negotiator with the European Union. It is deliberate act to show some force in concern with the hurting shellfish industry.

However, the United Kingdom and Tories could easily see the ramification of leaving the EU. They could have studied and known what happens to trading parties who becomes a third country. What happens to certain industries and how these operates in concern to Brussels. Still, the Tories didn’t think of this, even if they were warned by industry ahead of the withdrawal. Because, the principals was more important than the reality on the ground.

The same is here with the Water Bottle Industry too. The Mineral Water and Distilled Water will hurt a billion pound industry. A industry with mostly rural bottlers will be hit by this. Just like rural producers and fisheries who made shellfish. If the Tories block EU Bottle Water like Evian. Who believes Brussels will care about bottled water from Scotland or Wales?

They will be banned entry too. The EU will not allow their own industries has a disadvantage. The member-states will not allow bottles entering from Wales to compete with French bottled waters in the Netherlands, but not being allowed to sell bottled water in London. That will not happen and the EU will strike back at London.

Therefore, if Lord Frost and the Tories are doing this. Then they will put the smaller bottlers dry. These who sells a lot of their stocks of bottled water to Europe will loose their profits and possible export market. That is just the reality here.

The European counterparts has a huge market to survive in anyway. They can compete there and get it through all of their member-states. The European Common-market is big enough for the producers. Yes, it is a loss to not sell in the UK, but that will not damage the bottled water industry at such an extent.

The rural bottlers in the UK will most likely have much more to loose, than the European exporters to the UK. Even if the Tories believes differently… the EU will not change their common-market rules and the UK as a third country have to comply. The bottled water industry is yet another looser, if the UK pulls this stunt.

The bottlers in Scotland and Wales will loose vital markets and the Tories will destroy another industry. That will make these water-wells run dry. If not they have to make the British drink more bottled water, instead of drinking it directly from the tap. Peace.

Brexit: The Tories knew shellfish exports would be troublesome

Deepdock director James Wilson said that the consequences of this are that when the UK leaves the EU, we become a third country, and so are no longer considered to be immediately compliant with single-market requirements. The single-market issue – part of the suite of so-called non-tariff barriers to future trade – is likely to be the largest disruptive influence on the flow of trade from the UK into the EU” (…) “He said they had been concerned since the referendum result, and had engaged with the UK and Welsh governments throughout this period. They had expressed concern to the Welsh government, DEFRA and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) many times, but had been told, “It will be fine.” The administrations finally acknowledged that there was a problem more than a week after the original 29 March Brexit deadline. “We were floored by the news,” said James Wilson” (Tim Oliver – ‘EU mussel exports threat’ 20.05.2019, Fishing News).

The Conservative Party and Her Majesties Government in London seems baffled. They seems rattled and shocked that the Brexit has consequences. It seems like they thought it would be easier and less hurdles. However, with the Withdrawal Agreement and Trade Agreement in place. They are out of the Single Market with the European Union (EU) and that affects trading between the UK and the EU.

Now, that the fish is rotting from the head. We are now just over a month into the new game-changer. The lovely days of being a Third Country. The effects and touches of being outside is happening. The businesses are being touched and the exporters are feeling a whiff of new paperwork to issue before sending cargo across borders. The UK exporting businesses has been hit and non other then the fisheries.

The Fisheries which was so important. One part of the fisheries are the fish-farms and the ones selling shellfish or mussels. These are being transported fresh or frozen from rural areas across the UK to the European Union (EU). That was being done for years, but things changed when the UK turned into a “third country” as there are new obstacles for this industry as a whole. When you go into “Online Trade Tariff” on GOV.UK you can check the various of mussels, but there is no export measure between the markets in place of 8th February 2021.

That is why its really outrageous that Tories think they could be selfish and not follow their trading partners standards, which is pre-fixed with their agreement. That seems lost on the likes of George Eustice and the Tories who blames the EU for having regulations for “Third Country” nations. Alas, a worry that they was warned about from the producers, which they told “it will be fine”. Which by today is proven it is not.

Paul Armstrong reports: “A leaked email to the website Politics Home showed that The European Commission last month wrote to the UK shellfish industry informing it that un-purified oysters, mussels, clams, cockles and scallops caught in those waters were banned from the EU indefinitely since the UK left the Brexit transition period on New Year’s Eve” (…) “Martin Laity director of Sailor’s Creek Shellfish in Flushing says the news sounds the death knell for his business and the 52 fishermen and women he had to lay off over at the beginning of the year because of Brexit” (Paul Armstrong – ‘Oyster fisherman Fal Estuary EU shellfish ban’ 07.02.2021, Failmouth Packet).

The businesses is already hurting and its proven to be so. The EU isn’t selfish… but the UK wasn’t ready for the boundaries of the shellfish. The UK should have been prepared for the obstacles and the issues with becoming a “third country”. They are not apart of the single market anymore and has to comply to other rules. That is the reality of it all.

The UK is now a fish out of water. It is really struggling to comprehend the new reality and thinking they are special. However, the UK have to follow the regulations and standards, which is now operative from 1st January 2021. It seems like they thought things would be like before. Nevertheless, they had the warnings… but they didn’t listen to the industry itself.

The Tories knew and they was getting words from the industry. Still they didn’t comply or consider the implications of the Brexit. Now its a reality … and the shellfish is rotting in the port. Because of the arrogance of Whitehall and the Tories itself. Who knew that this could happen, but now want to through a hissy fit at the European Commission for not preparing properly for the shellfish industry. That is why they in a sea of trouble…. Peace.

Opinion: UK – Why be apart of Europe (EU) when the water is bluer in the Pacific (CPTPP)?

The United Kingdom is really a special breed and the Tories leadership is something else. After all the years of tussling and muffling the transition and the negotiations with the European Union (EU). Which be recent reports will be a steady affair for 50 years. The government of United Kingdom (UK) have now opted for a new “union” or Free-Trade Agreement.

The UK had the most beneficial and biggest trade deal with the common market in the European Union with all of its member states and EEA. However, that has been dismissed, as they have the new Withdrawal Agreement and non-membership, which was so important for the Tories to set in action. They wanted to get out so they could have their own agreements, deals and not be bound by Brussels. However, the ending of common market with the EU have caused its trouble. There are problems with logistics, forms and declarations of produce/products across from Europe to the United Kingdom. Still, in the midst of that.

The Tories have a new idea. The Tories are joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Where the negotiations are starting this year to be a part of the Free Trade Agreement between 11 nations. These are: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Clearly, the UK ditched the simple trading across the bay. Instead of getting things to the Low Countries, France and Italy. Heck even Germany, Polen and the Czech Republic. Why not try to send Yorkshire tea easier to the Kingdom of Brunei?

By all means, any trade deal is a good deal for a nation. However, every nation and every kingdom tends to trade most with their neighbours. That is a historical fact for most nations. They tend to have most common with the nations right beside it. Surely, it is should be easier to sell something from London to Dublin. Instead in this case it will be easier sell something from Bristol to Auckland and that is insane. But, that is the Tories in a nutshell.

It is nuts and bonkers that the ones screaming to leave one thing is signing up this quickly. That they are moving over to another project that easily. Yes, there might be less stings attached, but on the other hand. The UK had a good hand, but they spoilt it by leaving. The Tories and the UK could have had more influence and used their buying power in the Union, but instead they couldn’t care less.

Now, they rather go on the deep dive in the pacific. Instead of just across the British channel. That is just weird. That say it all about the leadership in Downing Street and at Whitehall. That they have these ideas and think it can ease the pain. Yes, they will get sales and get trading going on in the pacific. However, how will that be substantial in comparison to what you used to have with the European Union?

It is not like these sort of arrangements and logistically is easily accessible. The CPTPP will be a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but at what cost?

The EU have by comparison 43% of the World Trade. While the CPTPP have 14% of it. Yes, it is a substantial part of the world trade in the CPTPP. Nevertheless, the UK haven’t shot the silver bullet here. It is like they just trying to patch the hurt and make it sound splendid. Even though deep down… they know they lost out of chance of a lifetime and they are afraid of turning back.

That is why the deep blue sea of the Pacific seems so refreshing compared to crossing over the familiar channel from Folkestone to Calais. Peace.

Brexit: Rees-Mogg’s Red Herring

Key thing is we’ve got our fish back. They’re now British fish and they’re better and happier fish for it”Jacob Rees-Mogg MP (14.01.2021)

Today in Parliament, the Tories and especially Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg got on the defensive. As the Tories and the whole United Kingdom is starting to feel the effects of leaving the European Union (EU) and the hurdles the new Withdrawal Agreement puts in place. All these significant hurdles are passed onto the consumer and the exporters. The ones that was promised less red-tape and more “control”. Alas, that was all a lie from the Brexiteers, as they call it fear-mongering.

However, in the month of January, only mere weeks into the Brexit finalization and becoming a third country. The businesses, the fisheries and other companies are feeling the “new normal”. Already on the 7th January 2021 Seafood Scotland came out with a statement saying: “Scottish seafood exporters hit by a ‘perfect storm’. Where they explained it further: “It problems in France meant consignments were diverted from Boulogne sur Mer to Dunkirk, which was unprepared as it wasn’t supposed to be at export frontline”. The organization continues to say: “In a very short time we could see the destruction of a centuries old market which contributes significantly to the Scottish economy”.

So, just by wording a few sentences from Seafood Scotland. The fish doesn’t seem more happy by becoming pure “British”. I am sure that the Tories is having a “Finding Nemo” moment. As the lies and deception isn’t helping the fishing industry nor their new trouble to get seafood exported. The government wasn’t prepared for the new form of export and neither the possible cost. Therefore, the British seafood either got dumped or destroyed before it got to the European markets.

The Tories and Rees-Mogg can act a fool. However, he should stop the red herring. He knows perfectly well that the government released nearly right before the Agreement went into play on the 1st January 2021. They released new guidelines and proved how businesses could operate with examples on the 31st December 2020. So, it was not like the Seafood Industry was prepared and neither was the state.

Yes, you have gotten the fish back, but what value does it add if it ends up in the bin and not somebody’s table? That is waste and destruction of good wholesome produce, which is destroyed by some red-tape, which this government through agreements have made. Therefore, Brexit is causing more harm and more troubles then the industry could foresee. They we’re not warned in time and neither did the Tories give additional training to its border officers to secure every consignment.

That is why the statement of Rees-Mogg shows his arrogance, as he will not take responsibility for the damage caused. He wants to put a British Flag on the Fish, but he will not make sure it becomes Fish and Chips. No, he wants fish dead out of whatever and sing the national anthem to it. That is foolish and so is his pride. Instead, of taking accountability and finding measures. He wants patriotism to save the fish. That is really ridiculous and shows that his a proper hob-nob.

The Tories didn’t care about the fisheries or the fishing industry. They just used them as tool for their ends. That is why it’s not biting now and the fishermen isn’t catching a break. No, they are catching their fish and preparing it for shipment, but the government isn’t giving them the tools to secure the vessel to next port. No, they either blocking it or standing them at sea with nowhere to go. That is the sick reality here.

Maybe, the Scots to package the fish in the Union Jack and send the rotting fish directly to Rees-Mogg office. So, he could taste and smell his own medicine. The side-product of his politicking together with fellow Brexiteers. As his not personally hit by this, but him and others created the ‘Perfect Storm’. Therefore, he as one of the responsible for it. That he should taste some of the “British Fish” who got lost in red-tape and is now ready for a landfill. Peace.

Brexit: Scottish seafood exporters hit by ‘perfect storm’ of Brexit disruption (07.01.2021)