OT. The futures Bright, the Futures Brexit!!!

[Trickytreesreds]

Oh for the days when politicians said what they meant and meant what they said (apparently it has happened but septegenarians and younger folk probably can't remember that time).

Farage "if Brexit is a disaster, I will go and live abroad, I'll go and live somewhere else"

Why is he still present?

Disaster compared to what exactly, Germany/ France/ Italy? Are you trying to tell me, we?d be swimming lovely in that pond when the 3 biggest economies there are sinking?

Over the last five years (roughly 2020-2024), economic growth in France, the UK, Italy, and Germany has been marked by the pandemic dip (2020) and recovery, with significant variation, but recent trends show slowing growth, with Germany seeing near stagnation, Italy recovering well in 2021 but slowing, France showing modest growth, and the UK slightly outperforming the Eurozone average by late 2025.
Here's a breakdown by country (approximate figures from sources):

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/ba/Flag_of_Germany.svg/1200px-Flag_of_Germany.svg.png

Germany: Experienced a low GDP growth, even contracting in 2024 (-0.2%), following a dip in 2020 (-4.1%) and modest rebounds in 2021/2022, showing the lowest growth among G7 in the post-pandemic era.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg

France: Saw strong rebound in 2021 (around 7%), but slowed to ~1% in 2023 and ~1.2% in 2024, with overall growth sluggish compared to the US/UK in the 2019-2025 period.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/03/Flag_of_Italy.svg/1200px-Flag_of_Italy.svg.png

Italy: Hit by a major contraction in 2020 (-8.87%), followed by a huge rebound in 2021 (8.93%), but growth moderated to under 1% by 2023-2024.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ae/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg

United Kingdom: By late 2025, UK GDP was growing, with levels above pre-pandemic, generally performing better than the struggling Eurozone average in recent years, though facing its own challenges.
General Trends (2020-2024):
2020: All countries saw significant contractions due to COVID-19.
2021-2022: Strong rebound fueled by pent-up demand and stimulus.
2023-2024: Growth slowed considerably, with high inflation and interest rates impacting all economies, especially Germany.
Key takeaway: While all four economies are major European players, Germany has struggled the most recently, while the UK showed relative strength by late 2025 compared to the Eurozone, with Italy and France experiencing moderate, uneven growth after their pandemic recoveries.



Lets be honest here, both the Tories , nor Labour have never pushed Brexit in the slightest to use the freedoms we could have. Both are a prime example of a ruling elite, who hate having the electorate reject their ideals, so behave like kids. They stalled the exit for 5 years trying every trick in the book.
The least that should happen, is government that DID WANT IT, AND TO PROVE THE POINT OF ADVANTAGES

[swaledale]

Please don’t try and throw your weight around by telling me to ‘back off’ and please don’t quote GP’s silliness. Neither will work or do you any favours. Just listen to the interview, particularly around between 12-14 mins in.

RA can you direct me to the relevant interview? I can't locate it and would be interested to hear it.


I have noted that increasingly on here, if you dispute a claim, especially one which is supposedly backed up by "the majority" of people as indicated by various polls, Reform's popularity, anecdotal evidence or something the daily fail has published, the push back is to denigrate, ignore or just a huffy silence!

[ramAnag]

RA can you direct me to the relevant interview? I can't locate it and would be interested to hear it.


I have noted that increasingly on here, if you dispute a claim, especially one which is supposedly backed up by "the majority" of people as indicated by various polls, Reform's popularity, anecdotal evidence or something the daily fail has published, the push back is to denigrate, ignore or just a huffy silence!

Tbh I knew nothing about it until Sith raised it and Andy challenged the content, but decided to have a look otherwise I wouldn’t have known what they were arguing about.
I don’t think it’s particularly new and it is, I think, the only ever interview between James O’Brien and Farage, which was originally for LBC. You’ll find it on YouTube via Google and there are two (at least) versions, the full length one and the ‘highlights’ bit.

[SithHappens]

It's a while since I listened to it I'll admit but I'm sure there is a whole segment when they are discussing farages comments about people on trains not speaking being able to speak English, o'brien says how do you know they can't, farage says something like well I got the impression it wasn't their language of choice or 1st language, to which o'brien says like your own children English isn't their 1st language and farage says something like but they can speak English.

Perhaps I'll listen back sometime, I may be wrong, but I recall that it seemed it was an accepted fact, I don't recall farage disputing it.

It was the only ever interview, o'brien has made many attempts since but farage won't go on because, we'll its obvious that o'brien had him tied up in knots and pretty sure farage had to be rescued by one of his staff in the end.

Of course I don't think it would come as a surprise I would enjoy listening to o'brien, the brext compilations are superb entertainment.

That said the interview with Frank Lampard is one he didn't come off well from, Lampard took him to task brilliantly.

[Andy_Faber]

I wouldn?t have known what they were arguing about.

We werent arguing. I asked Sith to listen to the relevant part of the interview again. He may or may not, he may change his mind or he may not, he may let me/us know the outcome of that or he may not, but none of that is arguing. Dont inflame things.

[ramAnag]

We werent arguing. I asked Sith to listen to the relevant part of the interview again. He may or may not, he may change his mind or he may not, he may let me/us know the outcome of that or he may not, but none of that is arguing. Dont inflame things.

Lol…you accuse me of inflaming things. That’s both hysterical and hypocritical given your random attack on Swale yesterday. What was it you suggested, a t*t who is ignorant and lacking in social skills?

[SithHappens]

I may listen to it, probably will when in back off holidays. I feel certain it's discussed and Farage doesn't dispute it, which he would if it was not true. Irrespective of that he is appalled that so many Glasgow school children are at least bilingual, which his children are regardless of what they deem to be their 1st language.

As I said before, that anyone can defend this is just don't understand, even suggesting on here that teachers wouldn't want to teach bilingual students just seems nonsense to me.

Let's face it, the objection isn't if English or some other language is their 1st, its the fact they are probably brown skinned with foreign names...this is his issue.

Focusing on semantics of 1st language or not on here is a deflection in the style of Farage. In the interview with obrien his response when asked about idiots in his party is to say ask the other parties. Its what he does, deflect, just like the accusations of him being racist as a ****ager, his response is deflection by suggesting the BBC were also racist.

Im not going to say they didn't broadcast shows with racial slurs because they probably did. But when your defence is always, but what about them or him or her etc...it's poor.

There is a new accusation against him today, at the age of 17 telling a young 7 yo to go home to Africa.

it's probably always going to be his word against theirs, but id say ( and yes on know i would ), that on the balance of probability he probably did say these things.

[ramAnag]

I may listen to it, probably will when in back off holidays. I feel certain it's discussed and Farage doesn't dispute it, which he would if it was not true. Irrespective of that he is appalled that so many Glasgow school children are at least bilingual, which his children are regardless of what they deem to be their 1st language.

As I said before, that anyone can defend this is just don't understand, even suggesting on here that teachers wouldn't want to teach bilingual students just seems nonsense to me.

Let's face it, the objection isn't if English or some other language is their 1st, its the fact they are probably brown skinned with foreign names...this is his issue.

Focusing on semantics of 1st language or not on here is a deflection in the style of Farage. In the interview with obrien his response when asked about idiots in his party is to say ask the other parties. Its what he does, deflect, just like the accusations of him being racist as a ****ager, his response is deflection by suggesting the BBC were also racist.

Im not going to say they didn't broadcast shows with racial slurs because they probably did. But when your defence is always, but what about them or him or her etc...it's poor.

There is a new accusation against him today, at the age of 17 telling a young 7 yo to go home to Africa.

it's probably always going to be his word against theirs, but id say ( and yes on know i would ), that on the balance of probability he probably did say these things.

Well recalled, young man. Impressive given that I think the interview you refer to in your first paragraph is from about ten years ago.

Interesting that a decade or so later the Church of England now feels it necessary to launch a poster campaign challenging Tommy Loadsanames’ ‘Unite the Kingdom’ campaign.

In the same way as they have chosen to steal our national flags, the far right also appear to be hiding behind the cross - shades of the KKK perhaps - prompting the Bishop of Kirkstall to say, ‘We must confront and resist the capture of Christian language and symbols by populist forces seeking to subvert the faith so that it serves their purpose…’.

I completely agree, as I do with another of his suggestions when he says, ‘As we approach Christmas and recall the Holy Familys’ own flight as refugees, we reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside others in working for an asylum system that is fair, compassionate and rooted in the dignity of being human.’

Well said that man.

[Andy_Faber]

Interesting that a decade or so later the Church of England now feels it necessary to launch a poster campaign challenging Tommy Loadsanames’ ‘Unite the Kingdom’ campaign.

In the same way as they have chosen to steal our national flags, the far right also appear to be hiding behind the cross - shades of the KKK perhaps - prompting the Bishop of Kirkstall to say, ‘We must confront and resist the capture of Christian language and symbols by populist forces seeking to subvert the faith so that it serves their purpose…’.

I completely agree, as I do with another of his suggestions when he says, ‘As we approach Christmas and recall the Holy Familys’ own flight as refugees, we reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside others in working for an asylum system that is fair, compassionate and rooted in the dignity of being human.’

Well said that man.

Also interesting that your hypocricy extends to supporting the words of a spokesman of a belief system you have repeatedly stated you don't believe in

[ramAnag]

Also interesting that your hypocricy extends to supporting the words of a spokesman of a belief system you have repeatedly stated you don't believe in

Utter rubbish. I have repeatedly said that I completely respect and would be happy to follow the examples said to have been set by Jesus Christ, I just don’t find - or didn’t when I went to church well over half a century ago - that the teachings of Jesus had much in common with the more everyday examples of organised religion.

You sound like Farage. I point out your own hypocrisy and all your immediate and inadequate comeback can manage is…and what about yours?

I guess you, along with all the other right wing so called ‘Christians’ find yourself in something of a dilemma currently, but if you’re going to have yet a(nother) pop at me at least get your facts right.

[SithHappens]

Well recalled, young man. Impressive given that I think the interview you refer to in your first paragraph is from about ten years ago.

Interesting that a decade or so later the Church of England now feels it necessary to launch a poster campaign challenging Tommy Loadsanames’ ‘Unite the Kingdom’ campaign.

In the same way as they have chosen to steal our national flags, the far right also appear to be hiding behind the cross - shades of the KKK perhaps - prompting the Bishop of Kirkstall to say, ‘We must confront and resist the capture of Christian language and symbols by populist forces seeking to subvert the faith so that it serves their purpose…’.

I completely agree, as I do with another of his suggestions when he says, ‘As we approach Christmas and recall the Holy Familys’ own flight as refugees, we reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside others in working for an asylum system that is fair, compassionate and rooted in the dignity of being human.’

Well said that man.

Well it's not that long since I listened. I got to listening to obrien in covid when I started WFH and went looking for archive material on YouTube. His interview with Mogg is good listening too.

I would highly recommend, as already said, some of the Brexit compilations if you haven't listened to them.

[Andy_Faber]

Well it's not that long since I listened. I got to listening to obrien in covid when I started WFH and went looking for archive material on YouTube. His interview with Mogg is good listening too.

I would highly recommend, as already said, some of the Brexit compilations if you haven't listened to them.

I've listened to him a lot, and the big mistake everyone makes is trying to answer him before he runs out of steam. Respondents often fail yo make their point when they have someone shouting at them across the table. Radio 4 news adopt the same tactic in a more polite manner, GB news with about the same level of attack as O'Brien. Not saying its not effective as an interview tactic, just that people fall for the tactic or can't find a tactic to counter it, so why bother offering themselves for interview. So for Farage avoiding O'Brien, so Reeves avoiding GB News.

[Andy_Faber]

I may listen to it, probably will when in back off holidays. I feel certain it's discussed and Farage doesn't dispute it, which he would if it was not true. Irrespective of that he is appalled that so many Glasgow school children are at least bilingual, which his children are regardless of what they deem to be their 1st language.

As I said before, that anyone can defend this is just don't understand, even suggesting on here that teachers wouldn't want to teach bilingual students just seems nonsense to me.

Let's face it, the objection isn't if English or some other language is their 1st, its the fact they are probably brown skinned with foreign names...this is his issue.

Focusing on semantics of 1st language or not on here is a deflection in the style of Farage. In the interview with obrien his response when asked about idiots in his party is to say ask the other parties. Its what he does, deflect, just like the accusations of him being racist as a ****ager, his response is deflection by suggesting the BBC were also racist.

Im not going to say they didn't broadcast shows with racial slurs because they probably did. But when your defence is always, but what about them or him or her etc...it's poor.

There is a new accusation against him today, at the age of 17 telling a young 7 yo to go home to Africa.

it's probably always going to be his word against theirs, but id say ( and yes on know i would ), that on the balance of probability he probably did say these things.

Just for interest, what was the level of abuse of 'minorities' when you were at school? I don't recall any abuse of folk by ethnicity, colour or religion despite my year input (including the fellah I sat next to in registration) including three black lads, but I DO recall massive abuse/ostracising of a small cohort of kids with hearing problems. I'm not aware of any future national politicians who joined in, but local councillors, PTA committee members, local 'captains of industry' for sure, but normal folk who probably never meant anything hateful (although it was) and who would never even think to do the same now. I'm not defending NF but where does the scapegoating stop for the indiscretions of youth? Serious question, I'm not picking at your original post

[Andy_Faber]

I guess you, along with all the other right wing so called ‘Christians’ find yourself in something of a dilemma currently

Don't get that sorry

[ramAnag]

Don't get that sorry

Why am I not surprised?