post brexit

[Witton Park]

There's been a push since the referendum to attribute the result to the educationally challenged. This report emphasises that.

Those that perhaps appreciate the EU more and wanted to Remain are perhaps those that have done pretty well out of it which may well lean towards science, technology, higher education. Perhaps those in higher paid jobs where the income potential isn't adversely affected by immigration as supply is still lower than demand.

Those that perhaps feel the EU hasn't worked for them, are those in lower-skilled minimum wage and zero or part--time contract jobs.

The next in line for the finger pointing are the over 60s. Funnily enough this is the generation that took us in back in the 70s.

After the referendum, there was a serious backlash, suggesting that voters should have to reach a minimum level of education before they could vote, or that anyone over a certain age should not be allowed a vote as they wouldn't be around to see the outcome.

There's something a little sinister about that and this report just dresses up the same nasty points in a more sophisticated way.

Perhaps if the "educated" hadn't cooked up a fiscal situation which encouraged employers of low-skilled workers to use part-time contracts, boxing the employees in to a life of tax credit top ups, we may have had a different outcome.

Gordon Brown and Osborne have been the architects of this, arch Remainers, who are the clever ones?

[shaunaneto]

There not educationally challenged. They've been failed by the state and culture.

"The next in line for the finger pointing are the over 60s. "

I think they was first in line tbh

"After the referendum, there was a serious backlash, suggesting that voters should have to reach a minimum level of education before they could vote, or that anyone over a certain age should not be allowed a vote as they wouldn't be around to see the outcome."

Still seeing it, but only from a really tiny minority. These are the real idiots.

"There's something a little sinister about that and this report just dresses up the same nasty points in a more sophisticated way."

I don't read the report as being sinister if it's an honest evaluation. There's nothing wrong with gauging voter behaviour and causality.

What's more, so what if those without top level education swung it!? I'm in the same uneducated camp as them, just came to a different conclusion.

Ultimately one of the positives I take from this is the potential for the disenfranchised engaging with politics and forcing the political elites to listen and actually represent their interest.

[Damian Kimmins]

The educationally challenged, the old and infirm or the lost labour voters, etc, etc.
This referendum does mark a societal shift like Shaun says, it also marks another one as far as I am aware and that is that ever since the vote of the country has been cast, the people to blame for it's result have not stopped being searched out.
Off the wall a little but I am sure it is symptomatic of an unwell society. More and more these days I think we as a society exhibit negative emotions expressing a deep, almost unconscious unhappiness at the way things are.
I see debates taking place these days and they tend to be just pure emotion, much like Trumpet head, lacking in any clear thought, reasoning and argument.

[MattPo]

and on and on ad naseaum

[Damian Kimmins]

and on and on ad naseaum

If it is that bad you might question if you should be reading it!

[shaunaneto]

Well, Brexit may not be the cause, but it was the catalyst.

Scotland now looking more likely than ever to leave the union and take back control.

Sinn Fein agitating for a unity referendum and in a stronger position after recent results http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/43859

And Plaid Cymru starting the conversation http://www2.partyof.wales/scotref

I guess this is everyone pulling together

Honestly can live with whatever, but it'll be an interesting few years of political bullshit

[shaunaneto]

Ooh, on a plus not I've always liked the idea of dual citizenship. Could be a good shout.

Might even manage a hat trick if Scotland somehow manages to get back into the EU.

[Witton Park]

This is my take.

Assuming that May gets the bulk of her plan, so Free Trade, out of single market, customs union, I actually think it offers great options for Scotland.

Scotland's biggest export market is England and it will retain that. It will have a FTA with the EU. It will also have the option to gain from trade agreements around the world. The Far East will pay good money for Scottish Seafood, especially shellfish.
Farmed Salmon, Angus Beef, Venison... markets around the world would open up.

I think this is why Ms Sturgeon and the SNP are agitating, because if May does pull it off, they will be toast as far as independence goes.

I do concede we might see a united Ireland in the longer term, but not the way many think. I think that our leaving will bring about Ireland's leaving. They are much more aligned to the UK and the USA than the EU and so once we are out, I think pressure will build for them to leave as well.

So I can see in 20 years time a UK of 3 nations and an Ireland with a very close relationship with us.

[Wheeze]

Interesting points there WP but I cant agree about Irish alignment. Of course they have strong historical links to UK and USA but my take is that for many decades they have been the most european-centric and they naturally think of themselves as european. The whole political and infrastructural feel of the place is european. Plus, they have gained massively from EU financial support.

[Witton Park]

Remember the Irish first rejected the Lisbon Treaty.
They also have just been told they cannot offer tax incentives to attract business.
They have already taken a hit due to exchange rate in some markets particularly agriculture.
The EU is about to lose circa £15 Billion a year. That will affect the amount of support for Ireland going forward.
Ireland exports (2015 figures) 66.5% non EU if you add in UK which is 14%.
Irish Fishing industry will be watching closely what happens during Brexit process.

Money talks. Time will tell.