Brexit and the waning days of the United Kingdom

[crazy canuck]

Yes, I am concerned that the current Vancouver local government is going to turn our public spaces into venues for revenue generating events.  Right now I think we have a nice balance.  There are a few large events a year which close down access - to the general public.  But they are few and far between. Most of our events are open to the public at no cost, like our fireworks displays in English Bay in the summer.  But those events are free to attend (except for the small premium seating areas.

It is an issue well worth fighting (in a civil way) over.

[Josquius]

On the other hand I'm really jealous of European cities like Lausanne that have a calendar of events in the city throughout the year.
We used to have a lot more of this in the UK before austerity.

Sure it'd be nice if it was free and not paid for. But that's the economic setup of this country.

[Valmy]

Congrats on your new 0% tariff trade deal on Rolls Royce Engines.

[Zanza]

From what I found, terms of trade, at least for the UK, will be significantly worse than what the UK and US had before Trump, no?

[Valmy]

From what I found, terms of trade, at least for the UK, will be significantly worse than what the UK and US had before Trump, no?

Yes. Almost everything keeps the 10% tariff.

[Sheilbh]

From what I found, terms of trade, at least for the UK, will be significantly worse than what the UK and US had before Trump, no?

Yes - but I think all the world has significantly worse trade terms with the US than before Trump.

There is something interesting possibly on defence and steel especially which I'm not 100% clear on. I think the gamble is basically to try and freeze things now to avoid future turbulence. Might not work out - but worth trying and probably a base for the future.

It's worth noting that I think the UK government was not prepared for Trump announcing it - Number 10 had to scramble to arrange a press conference, the trade minister was summoned to parliament by the Speaker (despite most MPs being in their constituencies) and basically said he'd only be able to give a short statement and would have to follow up at length on Monday. Not to say it wasn't agreed but I don't think the government internally had sorted out their comms.

I'd add I think there's something a little funny (and I've always thought this was a possibility) that after a trade deal with India yesterday - a Labour government led by a strong pro-Remain leader is using "Brexit freedoms" in ways that will make unwinding Brexit more challenging, while Reform and the Tories are decrying those deals (I basically think they're both good).

[Sheilbh]

This is close to me. I'm with the campaigners. The odd even is OK but a chunk of the park is closed for more than a month and looks dreadful for ages afterwards.

Yeah I am torn. It's why I think it's such an interesting article and micro-example drawing out wider issues - because I do think there's a ownership and generational thing, but also the community of people living in an area v the specific Tcommunity served by these events (and I think it is interesting/important that all of those festivals are basically serving specific tastes).

There's areas where I have more clear views - for example I think huge swathes of City of Westminster should be pedestrianised and late licenses.