Britain has voted
for an independent Britain.
Money markets crashed as if some disaster had occurred. But
what was seen by the unexpected “Leave the EU” vote is the beginning collapse
of the EU, an unelected world of bureaucrats who regulate and control the lives
of people in Europe.
At the moment the Brits were voting, I was having lunch with
a group of Dutch men and women. They expressed their disgust about what is
happening in their country and how the decision of their government is
controlled by the gnomes of Brussels. They were adamant that their country
would be better off away from the EU decision-makers who, they felt, were
endangering the social fabric and security of their country over a wrong-headed
immigration policy, a policy in chaos with the continuing wave of migrants
washing on the shores of Europe from the Middle East and Africa. Many are finding
their way to the Netherlands. They are frustrated with the feeling of losing
control their country. Nationalism is being revived due to the utter failure of
Europe to deal with the dual threats of the migrant crisis and the explosion of
Islamic terror.
People are fearful and want out. This was clearly seen in the
Brexit vote.
The economy and jobs are vitally important issues as Brits
ponder their future outside of the EU. They can be reassured. Norway and
Switzerland are two countries who have successful economies and are outside the
European Union.
Britain is the second largest economic engine in Europe after
Germany. It is an almost three trillion dollar powerhouse. It is hardly a weak
horse as is Greece.
The biggest card played by the “Leave” campaigners was
that Britain can regain its sovereignty and independence of decision-making and
begin to control its own destiny. This confidence is essential at such a
crucial time.
Britain will now be able to make free-trade deals with
massive trading blocs such as America, China and India, something it was unable
to do as part of the restrictions of EU membership. This will be a powerful
kick starter to the British economy and jobs. Let’s be honest, Britain-made
goods admired and required within Europe will still be in demand by nations
within the EU.
Britain can follow the Swiss example. China has a trade agreement
with wealthy Switzerland, a country that is European but outside the EU. China
does not have a free-trade agreement with the EU. Like Israel, Britain should
look eastward.
Israel, a non-EU country, has an Israel-EU Associate
Agreement in force since June 2000. It began with services and the free
movement of capital. It didn’t take long for this agreement to expand to
include the free trade of industrial and later agricultural products. More
recently the demand for Israeli technology led to Israel being invited into the
Horizon 2020 program of research and innovation in 2014. This has led to a
thirty two billion Euro trade in goods between the EU and Israel at the end of
2015.
Outside of Europe, Israel’s trade volume with the United
States reached thirty eight billion dollars by the end of 2014.
China did not establish diplomatic relations with Israel
until 1992. Trade was almost non-existent at that time, barely fifty million
dollars. It has leapt in the last decade to reach over ten billion dollars by 2013,
and growing fast. Today, Chinese businessmen and government officials are
constantly visiting Israel in search of partnerships and future trade
agreements, as are Indian businessmen. Asia awaits!
As for crashing markets, buy
shares in British banks and industry, or buy more of your favorite stocks.
You'll make money when the markets bounce back.
So what is Israel’s message to Britain? It is that there is a better life after
independence despite the obstacle in front of you. But, that depends on the talent,
quality and work ethic of your labor force.
This is the rosy picture that can be Britain’s as it
recaptures its independence of action.
Surely, British entrepreneurs and innovators are as talented
as ours in Israel, the Start- Up Nation.
Well, almost as talented.
Barry Shaw is the Senior Associate for Public Diplomacy at
the Israel Institute for Strategic Affairs.
Excellent, Barry.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tricia. Please share.
DeleteBarry, Just great. You are really a man with wisdom. We had a great time and enjoyed having lunch with you.
ReplyDeleteWe love you.
Greetings and Blessing
Film crew IsraelCNN.com
Ruud, Anneke, Richard, Wilma
Facebook.com/israelcnn1 (like us)
Facebook.com/israelcnn.friends (become friend)
Thank you guys. You noticed that I included you in this piece. I am sure that your country will follow the UK out of the EU door.
DeleteLet's hope so. People in Brittain want a second one. There is petition of 100.000 signatures. we shared your comment on our Facebook.com/israelcnn1
DeleteI found it ironic that the EU's 'Initiative' to divide Israel, has G-d maybe saying, "You want to divide Israel? I am going to divide YOU."
Deletecredits: Tamar Yonah
Absolutely great analysis on European situation right now.
ReplyDeleteEngland is a financial powerhouse.
ReplyDeleteSpot on!
ReplyDelete