Reality Bites

This morning, Sunday 4th September, Prime Minster Teresa May, gave her first interview since taking that role, during which she admitted that Brexit (whatever that may mean) might bring hard times ahead. But she was sure Britain would find a trading place in the world after it.

So that's all good then.

Only, today she flew to around the world the the G8 summit, whereupon the Japanese Government published a 15 page document on what it wants from Brexit, and it it doesn't get that then the consequences for Britain.

"Japanese businesses with their European headquarters in the UK may decide to transfer their head-office function to Continental Europe if EU laws cease to be applicable in the UK after its withdrawal."

Specific companies are not mentioned, but the document states that it was written in response to "a variety of requests from Japanese businesses operating in the UK and the EU".

In particular, the document says Japanese firms would like to see the following agreed between Britain and the EU:

Maintenance of trade in goods with no burdens of customs duties and procedures

Unfettered investment

An environment in which services and financial transactions across Europe can be provided and carried out smoothly

Access to workforces with the necessary skills

Harmonised regulations and standards

Ahead of the referendum, Japanese firms, including Hitachi and Nissan, and the country's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe warned investment could fall if the UK left the European Union.

And so on. And then the US President appeared to soften his stance on a Britain that had left the EU being "back of the queue", but then appeared to change his mind.

And clearly Europe is beginning to run out of patience as those charged with piloting Britain out of Europe still apparently had little idea of what the plan was; no trade tariffs, but some restricted immigration.

As previously stated, the phony Brexit is coming to an end, and the time of facts and choices grows ever nearer, and the choice is to honour the non-legally binding referendum or do what business and common sense says should be done. No choices will be easy or without political and economic peril.

The days when Jelltex can change his name to Mr I Told You So may yet happen.