IT was often stated in the run-up to the Scottish independence referendum that trade deals would not be possible between Scotland and the rUK which would still be in the EU.
In the Leave campaign prior to the EU referendum in 2016, it was also said that a deal between the UK and the EU would be the “easiest deal in history”, as was said by Dr Liam Fox, the Tory Government’s international trade secretary. On Monday, the same Dr Fox announced that in the event of a no deal Brexit, the current trade deal with Norway and Iceland would “roll over” and continue as before. So far from a deal being impossible for Scotland and the rest of the UK, it appears to be perfectly possible for Iceland and Norway. The “easiest deal in history” has also proven to be anything but and even what one expert called a fairly straightforward deal extension with our northern neighbours was only achieved at almost the last minute before Brexit.
As is the way of things these days, East Kilbride-born Dr Fox tweeted his good news: “BREAKING: Our negotiators have just initialled a trade agreement with Iceland & Norway for the European Economic Area. This is the 2nd biggest agreement we’re rolling over and trade with EEA is worth nearly £30bn. This is on top of the agreement we’ve signed with Liechtenstein.”
Labour MP David Lammy replied with irony: “STOP THE PRESS: After Brexit we can continue trading with Iceland (population 338,000), Liechtenstein (population 37,000) and Norway (population 5 million) – all of which are already trading partners. This changes everything.”
More worryingly for Fox, the Norwegian media reported that the agreement only covers tariffs in the event of no deal and is far from a roll-over of the current European EEA arrangements, which include services, capital, and non-tariff barriers.
At least Fox’s “breakthrough” with our independent neighbours show that deals can be done with small independent countries in the EEA. Worth noting ahead of indyref2.
Think again about your Baltic tunnel says European Commission
IT has already secured billions of Euros in investment from China, but the dream of a rail tunnel linking Helsinki in Finland with Tallinn in Estonia is under threat from the European Commission.
Henrik Hololei, the European Commission’s director-general for mobility and transport, warned yesterday that the Chinese investment must comply with European Union rules.
Hololei told reporters: “All investments that come to Europe from third countries are welcome if they are guided by European rules.”
He also questioned if the tunnel was really necessary on a route that is well served by ferries.
The Commissioner stated: “We are speaking of an investment in the range of €15-20 billion, even though today we have ship connections which ensure relatively fast transit from Tallinn to Helsinki.
“I am absolutely certain that if this tunnel should materialise, it will not make things cheaper in any way for the passenger.
“If we look at the tunnel between Britain and France, that travelling isn’t cheap.”
The tunnel under the Baltic has been a dream of both the Finnish and Estonian governments and leading business people in both countries since the latter gained its independence when the Soviet Union collapsed.
The latest scheme with its critical Chinese investment comes at a time when the EU and China trade relations are at a crucial stage.
Hololei explained: “China can invest in companies in Europe, but the same is not available to European companies in China. We cannot go on this way.”
Irish Republic to consider an honours list
THE Irish Republic is to consider introducing its own honours system with a bill introduced by an independent senator who has emphasised it will reward ordinary people doing great things. Senator Gerard Craughwell has called for a bill originally proposed by Senator Feargal Quinn in 2015 to be resurrected. The Bill states: “There is hereby established an honours system, to be known as Gradam an Uachtarain, pursuant to which recognition will be afforded in respect of exceptional achievements of citizens of the State and also the outstanding contributions of others to the State.”
The form of recognition will be simple, according to the Bill: The awarding of the honour of Gradam an Uachtarain shall be marked by the presentation by the President of Ireland of (a) a medal which may be worn on formal occasions, and (b) a lapel button.”
The Bill adds that a person who has been awarded the honour of Gradam an Uachtarain “may use the post-nominal letters GU indicating the honour which has been conferred upon him or her.”
Unlike the UK honours in which hundreds are awarded at New Year, and at the Queen’s Birthday or when a Government ends its term, the Irish honours system will be limited with the Gradam an Uachtarain only to be conferred upon a maximum of 12 people per year.
The bill adds that in a calendar year, not more than four of the awards may be conferred upon persons of a nationality other than Irish.
Craughwell is adamant that the Irish honours will go to deserving people and will not be class-based or go to big names.
“There are great people working within our societies,” he told the Irish Examiner yesterday.
“We should have a way of recognising those types of people.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel