Opening gambits in EU / UK exit negotiations;

[Unusual Tournament]

1 hour ago, RabidMongoose said:

I have it on good authority that the Royal Navy have submitted their application for an extra aircraft carrier.

 can’t see how when the F-35 orders are only funded to 48 aircraft. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47082922

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/01/uk-may-not-able-buy-new-fleet-f-35-fighter-jets-unless-black/

 

Edited February 12, 2019 by Captain Risky

[Unusual Tournament]

On 11/02/2019 at 1:24 AM, stevewinn said:

up to date the UK as signed 18 continuity trade agreements with countries such as Iceland, Switzerland, Chile & Mexico to mention just four, the next one to sign an agreement looks to be Egypt. (in the coming days) See of these 19 countries they are not EU members so have no desire to crash their economies on the rocks for the sake of the EU project.

But as we approach the 29th March even EU members will be getting nervous, as bilateral deals are being signed inroads by non-eu countries is being made at the expense of EU members, when it comes to market share in the UK.

Well it looks like the inevitable is happening, the first to bolt, is Italy. as the headline says "Italy explores its own bilateral Brexit deal with Britain" Italy is drawing up emergency plans to safeguard financial stability and keep trade with the UK flowing even if there is a no-deal Brexit, if necessary through a bilateral deal between Rome and London.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2019/02/10/italy-explores-bilateral-brexit-deal-britain-economic-crisis/

The EU was fearful this might happen. even referring it to as the British attempt to divide and rule. 

Question now is, if such a deal is signed with Italy. how long before ‘every man for himself’

 

 

Lol... continuity contracts. The very same agreements that the UK had with the E.U. this is a victory?

[Unusual Tournament]

On 2/11/2019 at 1:24 AM, stevewinn said:

up to date the UK as signed 18 continuity trade agreements with countries such as Iceland, Switzerland, Chile & Mexico to mention just four, the next one to sign an agreement looks to be Egypt. (in the coming days) See of these 19 countries they are not EU members so have no desire to crash their economies on the rocks for the sake of the EU project.

But as we approach the 29th March even EU members will be getting nervous, as bilateral deals are being signed inroads by non-eu countries is being made at the expense of EU members, when it comes to market share in the UK.

Well it looks like the inevitable is happening, the first to bolt, is Italy. as the headline says "Italy explores its own bilateral Brexit deal with Britain" Italy is drawing up emergency plans to safeguard financial stability and keep trade with the UK flowing even if there is a no-deal Brexit, if necessary through a bilateral deal between Rome and London.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2019/02/10/italy-explores-bilateral-brexit-deal-britain-economic-crisis/

The EU was fearful this might happen. even referring it to as the British attempt to divide and rule. 

Question now is, if such a deal is signed with Italy. how long before ‘every man for himself’

now steve i have a bone to pick... weren't you the one that said all the EU's trade deals were rubbish and holding the UK back from growing its economy? i think you did! so why are you celebrating the fact that the UK has just copy/paste the EU agreements? really doesn't sound like the EU is panicky. in fact the reverse is true. well it must be if you quoting the telegraph and its stupid "Italian emergency" plans. but you're just as desperate as the Telegraph in wishing for the destruction of the EU...lol

Edited February 12, 2019 by Captain Risky

[Unusual Tournament]

10 hours ago, RAyMO said:

amazing the impact that stockpiling has

-50 days... the clock is ticking....

 

yes the brexiteers (including steve and keith) are all very happy with brexit and the great progress thats been made... facilitating trade with a shipping company that has no ships. signing trade deals that are exact replicas of existing ones, like with Switzerland and stockpiling food and medicine.

But everything is hunky dory... because the British have signed a trade agreement with Switzerland. so no food shortages, the British will have toblerone's and swiss cheese to get them through. what a glorious brexit.

[RoofGardener]

9 hours ago, Captain Risky said:

Lol... continuity contracts. The very same agreements that the UK had with the E.U. this is a victory?

 

1 hour ago, Captain Risky said:

now steve i have a bone to pick... weren't you the one that said all the EU's trade deals were rubbish and holding the UK back from growing its economy? i think you did! so why are you celebrating the fact that the EU has just copy/paste the EU agreements? really doesn't sound like the EU is panicky. in fact the reverse is true. well it must be if you quoting the telegraph and its stupid "Italian emergency" plans. but you're just as desperate as the Telegraph in wishing for the destruction of the EU...lol

Umm.. what makes you think that the "continuity" contracts are the same as the EU contracts ? 

Even if they where, they are a temporary arrangement, not a permanent trade treaty

[keithisco]

16 hours ago, Captain Risky said:

 can’t see how when the F-35 orders are only funded to 48 aircraft. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47082922

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/01/uk-may-not-able-buy-new-fleet-f-35-fighter-jets-unless-black/

 

You seem to lack a certain credibility in how MoD procurement operates... you order and pay in Tranches-our first Tranche of 48 F35B will be delivered up to 2022, the next tranche follows on upu to the last of the 138 that we are purchasing. Funding for Tranche 2is ringfenced already

[keithisco]

8 hours ago, Captain Risky said:

yes the brexiteers (including steve and keith) are all very happy with brexit and the great progress thats been made... facilitating trade with a shipping company that has no ships. signing trade deals that are exact replicas of existing ones, like with Switzerland and stockpiling food and medicine.

But everything is hunky dory... because the British have signed a trade agreement with Switzerland. so no food shortages, the British will have toblerone's and swiss cheese to get them through. what a glorious brexit.

So typical of remainers who are incapable of understanding that no Shipping Agent (as Seaborne is) actually owns any ships. You see, the clue is in the title "Shipping Agents". UK has now signed 19 continuity agreements (cant sign any FTA's because we are still shackled to the EU-but I'm sure a clever remainer like you knew that).

Edited February 12, 2019 by keithisco

[stevewinn]

8 hours ago, Captain Risky said:

now steve i have a bone to pick... weren't you the one that said all the EU's trade deals were rubbish and holding the UK back from growing its economy? i think you did! so why are you celebrating the fact that the UK has just copy/paste the EU agreements? really doesn't sound like the EU is panicky. in fact the reverse is true. well it must be if you quoting the telegraph and its stupid "Italian emergency" plans. but you're just as desperate as the Telegraph in wishing for the destruction of the EU...lol

You have me mixed up with someone else. 

But on the point your trying to make. The point I've continually made is the UK inability to conduct and sign free trade deals in the sole interest of the UK whilst EU members. 

You make light of the continuity agreements but you have inadvertently highlighted perfectly the argument against EU membership and not for EU membership. The agreements we've signed are the best we can do under EU rules while still a member of the EU. 

These are the best deals the EU as negotiated on our behalf, the fact you laugh means your in fact laughing at the EU's best efforts yet again you make the argument against. 

We are where we are, the fact so many countries are signing the agreements and its only early days, an excellent platform, a foundation I'm sure we'll build upon in the future. I look forward to your post at some point in the future congratulating us when we sign a trade agreement with your country. 

@RabidMongoose could it be 2 NEW littoral ships for the Royal Navy? Which was announced by the Defence Sec. He also made the announcement that the the Royal Navy assets will be forward deployed in the far East. With a permanent basing in the region. Its the bold new vision of a post Brexit Great Britain. That vision is perfectly summed up by HMS Queen Elizabeth's first deployment taking in Mediterranean Middle East & Far East. Her "hello world" tour. 

You've never hidden the fact and neither should you that you'd like to see a strong UK on the world stage. And it looks like it could becoming a reality.  Defence Sec. (1min 55sec )

From his speech. 

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

The UK is a global power with truly global interests. A nation with the fifth biggest economy on the planet. A nation with the world’s fifth biggest Defence budget and the second largest Defence exporter. And since the new Global Great Game will be played on a global playing field, we must be prepared to compete for our interests and our values far, far from home.

New strategic capacity

To support this aspiration, the Defence Secretary announced new strategic assets that will allow Britain to meet the global challenges the future might hold.

Two new Littoral Strike Groups are to be created. Complete with escorts, support vessels and helicopters, one would be based to the East of Suez in the Indo-Pacific and one based to the West of Suez in the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Baltic.

To compliment these groups, there will be a Warfighting Division with troops able to deploy from our bases at home and in Germany. This will all ensure we have a global force, capable of deploying around the world in a matter of days.

Increasing our air power

The RAF will also grow the number of Typhoon squadrons from five to seven - equipping them with world leading radar and upgraded deep strike Storm Shadow cruise missiles. This is vital following the recent retirement of the Tornado jet, proving that the UK is still committed to defending ourselves and our allies across the world.

Embracing new technology, the Defence Secretary also committed to use the Transformation Fund to develop swarm squadrons of network enabled drones capable of confusing the enemy and overwhelming their air defences.

The Defence Secretary concluded by highlighting that Britain has always been an outward looking nation. Faced with our adversaries upping their spending and investing in technology, the Armed Forces must respond by strengthening our global presence, as well as enhancing our lethality and increasing our mass.

A GLOBAL PRESENCE

First, by increasing our global presence and building on our alliances.

NATO. 70 years on from its founding, remains the bedrock of our nation’s Defence. In the past five years, the Alliance has come a long way. It is far more focused and ready to deter and defend against Russian hostile acts. But, more European nations need to be ready and capable of responding too. Stepping up to the 2% NATO target and not being distracted by the notion of an EU Army.

Britain must be willing and able to lead the Alliance, to bring stability in a changing-world. We are a leader in NATO, this year hosting the Leaders Meeting here in London. Alongside this we have sent a Battle Group to Estonia to support NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence. We lead multi-national maritime task groups in the Mediterranean and defend the skies over the Black Sea and the Baltics. And, we strongly support NATO’s Readiness Initiative to make sure forces are available and ready to do their job.

And in NATO, we must stand firm against Russia’s non-compliance with the INF Treaty. If necessary being ready to deal with the threat that new Russian missile systems may pose. The Alliance must develop its ability to handle the kind of provocations that Russia is throwing at us. Such action from Russia must come at a cost. Nor, can we forget those countries outside NATO who face a day-to-day struggle with Russian attempts to undermine their very sovereignty. We stand ready to support our friends in Ukraine and the Balkans. These countries have the right to choose their own destiny and be free from Russian interference. At the same time, in such an uncertain age, like-minded nations must come together to increase their own security. That is why the United Kingdom is leading the nine-nation Joint Expeditionary Force which in a few months’ time will take part in its first deployment to the Baltics.

But we must not see this as our limit. We must be willing to go further. History has taught us that crisis comes when we least expect it. As uncertainty grows we must be ready to act, bringing others with us. Readiness has to be our new watchword.

In an era of ‘Great Power’ competition we cannot be satisfied simply protecting our own backyard. The UK is a global power with truly global interests. A nation with the fifth biggest economy on the planet. A nation with the world’s fifth biggest Defence budget and the second largest Defence exporter. And since the new Global Great Game will be played on a global playing field, we must be prepared to compete for our interests and our values far, far from home.

That is why Global Britain needs to be much more than a pithy phrase. It has to be about action. And our armed forces represent the best of Global Britain in action. Taking action alongside our friends and allies. Action to strengthen the hand of fragile nations and to support those who face natural disasters. Action to oppose those who flout international law. Action to shore up the global system of rules and standards on which our security and our prosperity depends.

And action, on occasion, that may lead us to have to intervene alone.

Now, I know there are some that question the cost of intervention. But it is often forgotten the cost of non-intervention. The fact that this has been unacceptably high. It will not always be the role of the traditional Western powers to act as a global policeman but nor can we walk-on-by when others are in need. To talk…but fail to act…risks our nation being seen as nothing more than a paper tiger.

I do not underestimate the challenges that this approach brings. But we do start from a position of strength. Our people are already acting around the world from the North Sea to the South Pacific to protect our interests and we already benefit from strong international partnerships. But we cannot take such relationships for granted.

Our global presence must be persistent…not fitful. Patient…not fickle.

Permanent…not fly-by-night.

So, as well as our relationships with Europe, we need to build on our established relationship with the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada as part of the Five Eyes. With Singapore and Malaysia in the Five Powers Defence Arrangement. With other ASEAN nations, with Japan, the Republic of Korea and India. With our partners in the Middle East, and with our many friends in Africa – from Nigeria in the West to Kenya in the East.

And we are seeking to use our global capabilities to strengthen our global presence.

From this spring, HMS Montrose, along with five other naval vessels, will be permanently based in the Gulf using innovative crewing and support methods to keep the ship available for more of the time. Today, we also go further. And I can announce the first operational mission of the HMS Queen Elizabeth will include the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Pacific region. Making Global Britain a reality. Significantly, British and American F35s will be embedded in the carrier’s air wing. Enhancing the reach and lethality of our forces and reinforcing the fact that the United States remains our very closest of partners. We share the same vision of the world. A world shaped by individual liberty, the rule of law and, of course, the tolerance of others. We have the unique ability to integrate with US forces across a broad spectrum of areas. And, we are more determined than ever to keep working together.

We will also be using our string of global support facilities and military bases more strategically…to consistently project power both hard and soft. The Duqm port facilities in Oman are large enough to be able to support our aircraft carriers. The Al Minhad and Al Udeid Air Bases, in the Emirates and Qatar respectively, provide strategically important capabilities. In Bahrain, our Naval Base and our long-standing Maritime Command make a major contribution to our activities in the region but also beyond. Further afield we already benefit from facilities in Belize, in Brunei, in Singapore as well as our bases in Cyprus, Gibraltar and Ascension Island.

And, I believe that we need to go further. Considering what permanent presence we might need in areas including the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific to extend our global influence. Our proactive approach shows we are not getting by on half measures. For us global engagement is not a reflex reaction to leaving the European Union. It is about a permanent presence.

.................................................................................. 

It's clear,  Aircraft carriers, New Nuclear deterrent Subs (trident) bases opening around the world the UK as set the stage to play on the world stage for the next century. 

And with it securing trading routes and ensuring sea lanes. That will increase trading deal and links with partners around the world. 

It's was said the day after the referendum the world heard the Lion Roar. It would seem the world is about to see it strut. 

 

 

 

[Duke Wellington]

50 minutes ago, stevewinn said:

 

@RabidMongoose could it be 2 NEW littoral ships for the Royal Navy? Which was announced by the Defence Sec. He also made the announcement that the the Royal Navy assets will be forward deployed in the far East. With a permanent basing in the region. Its the bold new vision of a post Brexit Great Britain. That vision is perfectly summed up by HMS Queen Elizabeth's first deployment taking in Mediterranean Middle East & Far East. Her "hello world" tour. 

You've never hidden the fact and neither should you that you'd like to see a strong UK on the world stage. And it looks like it could becoming a reality.  Defence Sec. (1min 55sec )

From his speech. 

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

The UK is a global power with truly global interests. A nation with the fifth biggest economy on the planet. A nation with the world’s fifth biggest Defence budget and the second largest Defence exporter. And since the new Global Great Game will be played on a global playing field, we must be prepared to compete for our interests and our values far, far from home.

New strategic capacity

To support this aspiration, the Defence Secretary announced new strategic assets that will allow Britain to meet the global challenges the future might hold.

Two new Littoral Strike Groups are to be created. Complete with escorts, support vessels and helicopters, one would be based to the East of Suez in the Indo-Pacific and one based to the West of Suez in the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Baltic.

To compliment these groups, there will be a Warfighting Division with troops able to deploy from our bases at home and in Germany. This will all ensure we have a global force, capable of deploying around the world in a matter of days.

Increasing our air power

The RAF will also grow the number of Typhoon squadrons from five to seven - equipping them with world leading radar and upgraded deep strike Storm Shadow cruise missiles. This is vital following the recent retirement of the Tornado jet, proving that the UK is still committed to defending ourselves and our allies across the world.

Embracing new technology, the Defence Secretary also committed to use the Transformation Fund to develop swarm squadrons of network enabled drones capable of confusing the enemy and overwhelming their air defences.

The Defence Secretary concluded by highlighting that Britain has always been an outward looking nation. Faced with our adversaries upping their spending and investing in technology, the Armed Forces must respond by strengthening our global presence, as well as enhancing our lethality and increasing our mass.

A GLOBAL PRESENCE

First, by increasing our global presence and building on our alliances.

NATO. 70 years on from its founding, remains the bedrock of our nation’s Defence. In the past five years, the Alliance has come a long way. It is far more focused and ready to deter and defend against Russian hostile acts. But, more European nations need to be ready and capable of responding too. Stepping up to the 2% NATO target and not being distracted by the notion of an EU Army.

Britain must be willing and able to lead the Alliance, to bring stability in a changing-world. We are a leader in NATO, this year hosting the Leaders Meeting here in London. Alongside this we have sent a Battle Group to Estonia to support NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence. We lead multi-national maritime task groups in the Mediterranean and defend the skies over the Black Sea and the Baltics. And, we strongly support NATO’s Readiness Initiative to make sure forces are available and ready to do their job.

And in NATO, we must stand firm against Russia’s non-compliance with the INF Treaty. If necessary being ready to deal with the threat that new Russian missile systems may pose. The Alliance must develop its ability to handle the kind of provocations that Russia is throwing at us. Such action from Russia must come at a cost. Nor, can we forget those countries outside NATO who face a day-to-day struggle with Russian attempts to undermine their very sovereignty. We stand ready to support our friends in Ukraine and the Balkans. These countries have the right to choose their own destiny and be free from Russian interference. At the same time, in such an uncertain age, like-minded nations must come together to increase their own security. That is why the United Kingdom is leading the nine-nation Joint Expeditionary Force which in a few months’ time will take part in its first deployment to the Baltics.

But we must not see this as our limit. We must be willing to go further. History has taught us that crisis comes when we least expect it. As uncertainty grows we must be ready to act, bringing others with us. Readiness has to be our new watchword.

In an era of ‘Great Power’ competition we cannot be satisfied simply protecting our own backyard. The UK is a global power with truly global interests. A nation with the fifth biggest economy on the planet. A nation with the world’s fifth biggest Defence budget and the second largest Defence exporter. And since the new Global Great Game will be played on a global playing field, we must be prepared to compete for our interests and our values far, far from home.

That is why Global Britain needs to be much more than a pithy phrase. It has to be about action. And our armed forces represent the best of Global Britain in action. Taking action alongside our friends and allies. Action to strengthen the hand of fragile nations and to support those who face natural disasters. Action to oppose those who flout international law. Action to shore up the global system of rules and standards on which our security and our prosperity depends.

And action, on occasion, that may lead us to have to intervene alone.

Now, I know there are some that question the cost of intervention. But it is often forgotten the cost of non-intervention. The fact that this has been unacceptably high. It will not always be the role of the traditional Western powers to act as a global policeman but nor can we walk-on-by when others are in need. To talk…but fail to act…risks our nation being seen as nothing more than a paper tiger.

I do not underestimate the challenges that this approach brings. But we do start from a position of strength. Our people are already acting around the world from the North Sea to the South Pacific to protect our interests and we already benefit from strong international partnerships. But we cannot take such relationships for granted.

Our global presence must be persistent…not fitful. Patient…not fickle.

Permanent…not fly-by-night.

So, as well as our relationships with Europe, we need to build on our established relationship with the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada as part of the Five Eyes. With Singapore and Malaysia in the Five Powers Defence Arrangement. With other ASEAN nations, with Japan, the Republic of Korea and India. With our partners in the Middle East, and with our many friends in Africa – from Nigeria in the West to Kenya in the East.

And we are seeking to use our global capabilities to strengthen our global presence.

From this spring, HMS Montrose, along with five other naval vessels, will be permanently based in the Gulf using innovative crewing and support methods to keep the ship available for more of the time. Today, we also go further. And I can announce the first operational mission of the HMS Queen Elizabeth will include the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Pacific region. Making Global Britain a reality. Significantly, British and American F35s will be embedded in the carrier’s air wing. Enhancing the reach and lethality of our forces and reinforcing the fact that the United States remains our very closest of partners. We share the same vision of the world. A world shaped by individual liberty, the rule of law and, of course, the tolerance of others. We have the unique ability to integrate with US forces across a broad spectrum of areas. And, we are more determined than ever to keep working together.

We will also be using our string of global support facilities and military bases more strategically…to consistently project power both hard and soft. The Duqm port facilities in Oman are large enough to be able to support our aircraft carriers. The Al Minhad and Al Udeid Air Bases, in the Emirates and Qatar respectively, provide strategically important capabilities. In Bahrain, our Naval Base and our long-standing Maritime Command make a major contribution to our activities in the region but also beyond. Further afield we already benefit from facilities in Belize, in Brunei, in Singapore as well as our bases in Cyprus, Gibraltar and Ascension Island.

And, I believe that we need to go further. Considering what permanent presence we might need in areas including the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific to extend our global influence. Our proactive approach shows we are not getting by on half measures. For us global engagement is not a reflex reaction to leaving the European Union. It is about a permanent presence.

.................................................................................. 

It's clear,  Aircraft carriers, New Nuclear deterrent Subs (trident) bases opening around the world the UK as set the stage to play on the world stage for the next century. 

And with it securing trading routes and ensuring sea lanes. That will increase trading deal and links with partners around the world. 

It's was said the day after the referendum the world heard the Lion Roar. It would seem the world is about to see it strut. 

 

Nope, the Royal navy have been lobbying the Government for an extra carrier and Type-45 Destroyers. Give it a few months for Brexit to settle down and I would say then expect an announcement.

[stevewinn]

9 minutes ago, RabidMongoose said:

Nope, the Royal navy have been lobbying the Government for an extra carrier and Type-45 Destroyers. Give it a few months for Brexit to settle down and I would say then expect an announcement.

Fingers crossed. 

But in my opinion we should build more of the type 26. (frigates) though size of a destroyer. Canada & Australia have both chosen the Type 26. 

Currently the UK Govt plan to build just 8 Type 26's And ten Type 31 frigates. I'd forget the type 31. And build 10 full fat type 26's ASW and 10 AWS Type 26's. 

Leaving a future escourt fleet for 2 Carriers. 

6 Type 45s

20 Type 26s. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Duke Wellington]

33 minutes ago, stevewinn said:

Fingers crossed. 

But in my opinion we should build more of the type 26. (frigates) though size of a destroyer. Canada & Australia have both chosen the Type 26. 

Currently the UK Govt plan to build just 8 Type 26's And ten Type 31 frigates. I'd forget the type 31. And build 10 full fat type 26's ASW and 10 AWS Type 26's. 

Leaving a future escourt fleet for 2 Carriers. 

6 Type 45s

20 Type 26s. 

 

Our normal in the past has been 3 aircraft carriers and 20 destroyers.

[Setton]

4 hours ago, stevewinn said:

It's was said the day after the referendum the world heard the Lion Roar.

Literally never heard anybody say that. 

As for the Secretary of Defence's speech, I agree with the sentiment and believe it's our best hope for success post-Brexit. 

Let's hope he can deliver what he promises. After all, who's better qualified than a plate-maker... 

[Duke Wellington]

19 hours ago, stevewinn said:

It's was said the day after the referendum the world heard the Lion Roar. It would seem the world is about to see it strut. 

I like that one, I hope you dont mind me using it? lol

[Duke Wellington]

18 hours ago, stevewinn said:

Fingers crossed. 

But in my opinion we should build more of the type 26. (frigates) though size of a destroyer. Canada & Australia have both chosen the Type 26. 

Currently the UK Govt plan to build just 8 Type 26's And ten Type 31 frigates. I'd forget the type 31. And build 10 full fat type 26's ASW and 10 AWS Type 26's. 

Leaving a future escourt fleet for 2 Carriers. 

6 Type 45s

20 Type 26s. 

In my opinion we need to get Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to all have an aircraft carrier too.

[stevewinn]

41 minutes ago, RabidMongoose said:

In my opinion we need to get Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to all have an aircraft carrier too.

I doubt they could afford them. So, it would probably be better if they consentrated on escort duties. To become part of a larger carrier group for the USA or UK carriers. Im sure when HMS QE visits the far east Australia will partake in escort duties to gain valuable knowledge and experience. Australia has the Canbaerra Class which although primarily a helicopter carrier its able to carry the F35B. Which would be handy as it could cross deck with the UK & USA's wasp class. 

I'm so pleased that the UK Australia & Canada will all have the Type 26. Its a shame the USA ruled it out of its future frigate programme. The USA could've added numbers and brought down unit costs. 

As its stands roughly 40 ships of the class will be built. That could have been double. 

On Brexit. 

The Bank of England seems to have gone off script in its latest report, with admitting "the sharp slowdown in Eurozone growth in the second half of last year as a factor slowing our economy" it then goes on to say, the Bank "expects UK growth to improve in the second half of its three year forecast period from now, reaching above 2%" the Bank seems to have overlooked its role in Project Fear. Is this a policy change?

Interesting from Gudio Fawkes. 

https://order-order.com/2019/02/13/robbins-reveals-dishonesty-of-governments-stance/amp/#click=https://t.co/6hxaGW6NWc

Or ITN. (origin of the source) 

https://www.itv.com/news/2019-02-12/exclusive-uk-chief-brexit-negotiator-olly-robbins-warns-mps-the-choice-is-mays-deal-or-extension/

 

 

 

 

[stevewinn]

43 days to go. 

Let's see who the quisilings in our Parliament are as their desperation grows. 

 

[spartan max2]

Have I missed ant significant update or does it seem to be still marching towards a no deal brexit ?

[stevewinn]

2 minutes ago, spartan max2 said:

Have I missed ant significant update or does it seem to be still marching towards a no deal brexit ?

Still on course to leave on the 29th March @ 23:00:00. (as voted for by Parliament and set in law) at that time and date the UK will transition to WTO trading terms with the European Union. Hardly no deal just different trading terms. The same WTO terms we successfully trade on with our single biggest trading partner and investor the United States of America. 

[keithisco]

Well interesting times indeed... May has just lost a vote in HoC in which "No Deal" would be ruled out.

This means that "No Deal" or rather WTO Deal is even more likely than ever so if I was Eire I would immediately go to the EU, today, with its begging bowl as reward for supporting THEIR Political ambitions whilst ignoring what was best for the Irish Citizens

I also note that Germany has posted 0% growth missing a technical recession by a whisker, later results may well show that they are actually in recession. the EU Empire is a "Dead Man Walking" and yet still acting like the bully it is with the PM of the Netherlands brought out to "Rubbish" the UK. 

Edited February 14, 2019 by keithisco

[spud the mackem]

I.M.O. a No Deal would have the E.U.  knocking on our door asking us whether we could still import German Cars, French , Spanish , Portuguese Wine and Fruit , Danish dairy products , Dutch flowers and veg , all of which we can import from countries outside the E.U , so why  are these remainers trying to sabotage our economy , 43 days should see us end all this infighting in parliament  and start a new phase Outside the E.U. sinking ship .  Who Dares Wins .. 

[Duke Wellington]

14 minutes ago, spud the mackem said:

I.M.O. a No Deal would have the E.U.  knocking on our door asking us whether we could still import German Cars, French , Spanish , Portuguese Wine and Fruit , Danish dairy products , Dutch flowers and veg , all of which we can import from countries outside the E.U , so why  are these remainers trying to sabotage our economy , 43 days should see us end all this infighting in parliament  and start a new phase Outside the E.U. sinking ship .  Who Dares Wins .. 

We wont get the deal we want until we are out, or an hour before we are out.

[stevewinn]

 

 

On Euratom remember all the scare stories by Remainers, if we leave euratom Cancer patients wont get treatment, for me it was the lowest of the low using Cancer patients in this way, creating uncertainty and bringing unnecessary worry. 

As the tweet above says. " Britain has concluded all replacement international agreements needed to ensure “continuity” for civil nuclear trade after Brexit, the business secretary has announced "

Greg Clark said the UK had reached deals with Australia, Canada and the US, as well as safeguarding agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

 

[Setton]

2 hours ago, stevewinn said:

On Euratom remember all the scare stories by Remainers, if we leave euratom Cancer patients wont get treatment, for me it was the lowest of the low using Cancer patients in this way, creating uncertainty and bringing unnecessary worry

Would it not be equally low to ignore a potential consequence because it might cost you the votes of those cancer patients? 

[keithisco]

25 minutes ago, Setton said:

Would it not be equally low to ignore a potential consequence because it might cost you the votes of those cancer patients? 

It was never a "potential consequence"...it was forwarded in a disingenuous and emotionally charged arena causing fear in a section of the community when the reality was that all such contingencies had been factored in and mitigated for!

[Duke Wellington]

Trump just declared national emergency to get his wall.

I wonder if we will be having a national emergency in 5-6 weeks time lol.