‘We need to talk about Brexit’
A news site from Ireland posted the following:
We need to talk about Brexit
21 October 2017
It would be an understatement to say that there is a lot of confusion about Brexit. Misleading statements, disputed interpretations, conflicting claims and intermittent warfare are rife – and that’s just the British Conservative Party, although in truth the British Labour Party is equally disunited. Across the political landscape in that country, the subject of Europe is more divisive than at any time since the UK, Denmark and Ireland joined the then six-country EEC in 1973.
The UK’s relationship with its EU neighbours has never been an easy one. Long before Brexit and before it opted not to join the euro, Margaret Thatcher’s “we want our money back” was one of the rallying cries of the early 1980s, as the UK fought a four year battle for an adjustment in its budget contribution. While they won, the tone was set for a relationship with the rest of the EU marked by suspicion on both sides. This was a long time before the victory of the Leave side in last year’s referendum.
Why Leave won the referendum
… These include the decline of Britain, a nostalgia for past times, dissatisfaction with petty regulation and the perception of a remote and insufficiently accountable Brussels bureaucracy. It was also a rejection of the “ever closer union” being promoted by some federally minded continental politicians.
But four further related factors probably stood out: the anger of the “left behind” generation in a post-crisis Britain of sluggish recovery and high unemployment; the scapegoating of immigrants, whose numbers increased considerably in the years after the expansion of the EU in 2004’ the rise in tensions caused by recent refugee crises and debates concerning Islam in the west following recent attacks. …
Drawing up the divorce papers
For its part, the EU sees no reason to confer any special favours on the UK as it leaves. For one thing, the UK has been something of a semi-detached member since the outset. For another, there is no desire to encourage other parts of the union, whether Poland or Catalonia, in any belief that departure might be penalty-free.
Nor should one forget that the EU is still backed by a strong cross-country consensus which appreciates the values it stands for as well as the benefits it confers. …
The Brexit options
At the time of writing, a ‘soft’ Brexit does not look likely. It is impossible to say whether the UK is heading towards a ‘hard’ Brexit or whether it is more likely to crash out of the EU in chaotic fashion, with no agreement on the terms and conditions of its future relationship with the remaining 27 member states. The barely ruling Conservative Party is more divided than ever.
Hardliners who wish for an early and decisive break believe that the UK should extricate itself at the lowest possible cost and forge a new future in a global context. Then, it will be free to pursue its own trading interests, define its own immigration policy and free itself from the purview of the European Court of Justice. If that means a hard Brexit or even a departure without full agreement, they say, so be it.
Moderate Brexiteers are prepared to consider a longer transition period and to negotiate arrangements which are as close as possible to the benefits of EU membership which the UK has enjoyed up to now. …
What does this mean for Ireland?
Barring the outbreak of a major war (not to be excluded with an unstable and narcissistic US President, North Korea, Iran and other unfolding crises), Brexit is the greatest single threat to Irish economic and political well-being on the international horizon today. The extent of the damage could vary greatly depending on which model of Brexit the UK ultimately opts for. https://www.rte.ie/eile/brainstorm/2017/1020/913934-we-need-to-talk-about-brexit/
The British were never very comfortable with plans that continental Europeans had for unity, and yes, they believe that they have had to bear too much of a financial burden to support something that they did not like.
The continental Europeans have been distrustful of the British for their disdain of the goal of European unity and their desire to not ‘get with the program.’ The British did not have to sign the Lisbon Treaty, and the EU sees little reason to give the UK a great exit deal as they consider this is all the UK’s fault.
As far as Ireland goes, the Irish have long had issues with the British. They have felt that the EU offered them an opportunity to be more independent of the UK (which it has). The Irish seem to consider that the UK is making a mess with Brexit and needs to take steps so that Ireland faces no negative consequences for decisions that UK voters made. More on Ireland can be found in the video: Brexit and the fate of Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, the UK, and the USA.
As far as Brexit confusion goes, notice the following:
21 October 2017
Former Polish Foreign Affairs Minister Radek Sikorski was being quizzed after European Council President Donald Tusk gave the green light for the EU to begin preparing for a post-Brexit trade talks with the UK.
Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy asked: “What has actually happened at this summit? It’s a bit hard to tell.
“Not least because Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker don’t seem to agree either.”
Mr Sikorski suggested the EU chiefs play different roles in the negotiating process.
He replied: “Well that’s because they have different jobs. Donald Tusk is on the Council and it is his job to be nice to member states.
“He chairs the meeting of the member states. But the member states have also given a mandate to the Commission to be tough.”
The Channel 4 host stepped in suggesting the European Union were playing “good cop, bad cop” with the UK.
Mr Sikorski continued: “Face to face on a bilateral basis, you’re nice, but your ambassador says ‘no your offer is not good enough, that’s how it’ll be’. http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/869253/Brexit-news-UK-EU-Theresa-May-Jean-Claude-Juncker-Donald-Tusk-latest-video
The EU has been saying for some time that it would NOT discuss trade negotiations until AFTER Brexit details have been finalized that the British exit from the EU realized (which is supposed to be March 29, 2019; see also UK says it will not pay €100,000,000,000 to Brexit; EU’s Brexit negotiator wants pay first, trade talks later).
But that has caused a lot of friction.
Notice some items in the British press:
21 October 2017
‘Forget it chaps, I’m off!’ EU greed sees Brexit no deal chances ‘rise every day’
A TOP economist claims the European Union’s demands for more money will simply force the United Kingdom to walk away from Brussels with ‘no deal’. http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/869270/Brexit-news-EU-UK-Theresa-May-economy-European-Union-Jean-Claude-Juncker-latest-video
21 October 2017
EU insider reveals Brexit trade talks will be ‘TEN TIMES TOUGHER’ than divorce bill
THE director for the Centre of European Reform has warned that the EU believe Britain are in “cloud-cuckoo land” over Brexit talks since the Government does not understand how difficult trade talks will be. …
Charles Grant, who has close ties to officials in both the British Government and the EU Commission, warned that the current deadlocked Brexit talks are “ten times easier” than what will come next year.
The director of the Centre for European Reform warned that getting to the second phase of Brexit talks is only the beginning of the real battle in leaving the EU. …
Speaking to France24, the EU expert said that achieving a greenlight for the second phase of talks in December will come, but that this does not mark a success.
He explained: “The real story is that the future relationship talks will be the big problem ahead.
“The British are very unclear about what they want, or what to ask for in the future relationship.
“The EU will be much tougher than the British realise, according to several top officials I’ve spoken to.”
Mr Grant later added: “EU officials worry the UK side is in cloud-cuckoo land if they think they can achieve a cherrypicking bespoke deal better than that given to Norway or Canada.
“Reaching agreement on a divorce settlement will be ten times easier than on the future trading relations.” http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/869296/EU-expert-Brexit-trade-talks-divorce-bill
Let me add that in the long-run the ‘cost’ for the trade issues will exceed the cost that the UK will pay the EU to leave. The EU wants to win and does not want anyone to think that the UK is better off outside of it.
Back in June, the German press reported the following from some Brexit commentators:
Is this a win-win, win-lose or lose-lose scenario?
Cristal: We’re headed towards a lose-lose situation. The costs will be much more than expected and the outcome will be much more incomplete. And you have to add to this the very unstable political situation in the UK and in the EU.
Schranner: I’d say that, even if both sides knew what they wanted, it would be nearly impossible to bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion. There’s no blueprint or master plan. 06/23/17 http://www.dw.com/en/negotiation-experts-say-positive-result-in-brexit-talks-nearly-impossible/a-39385134
So, at least one secular source sees the negotiations between the EU and UK as nearly impossible. Since that was reported, the negotiations have not gone well.
As BBC’s Kevin Connolly reported earlier this year (see EU states that UK must pay a price for Brexit and be worse off than EU member states):
The 27 EU Remainer states are adamant that Britain will pay a price for leaving and will be worse off outside than the union than it is on the inside.
The EU has stated that it wants people matters, the exit bill, and Northern Ireland resolved by the date of the official British departure (March 29, 2019) and then afterwards it says that it will discuss trade. That is not what the UK wants, so it keeps bringing up trade. The fact that Donald Tusk said yesterday that trade can be discussed may seem like a victory for the UK, but it is fraught with many problems.
Consider that the Bible itself teaches that Europe will reorganize and unite (Revelation 17:12-13), as well as become the dominant world trading power for a time (Revelation 17 & 18). The Bible also teaches of a time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7)–and this will include the UK (as well as the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand).
The Bible is accurate and its prophecies can be counted on.
Maybe this is a good time to look at some statements put out by the writers once part of the old Radio Church of God, old Worldwide Church of God, and/or the current Continuing Church of God related to Europe and the United Kingdom in the 20th and 21st centuries:
Bible prophecy clearly shows that Britain will not be one of the … NATIONS comprising the final United States of Europe (McNair R. A Strong United Europe. Tomorrow’s World, February 1970, p. 17).
Perhaps it should be mentioned that the general position within the Churches of God is that Britain will not remain in the EU and will pull out at some point. (Thiel B. Tony Blair a Catholic EU Leader? Church of God News, June 26, 2007. http://www.cogwriter.com/news/prophecy/tony-blair-a-catholic-eu-leader/)
It should be understood that ultimately, Britain will NOT thrive as part of the EU but will be taken over by the final European Beast power–yet its former Prime Minister is promoting something that will not help the peoples of the UK. (Thiel B. Tony Blair Calls for a Strong, Elected, EU President Church of God News, June 9, 2007. http://www.cogwriter.com/news/prophecy/tony-blair-calls-for-a-strong-elected-eu-president/)
Ephraim (modern Great Britain) will not be part of the “Beast” power, so we can expect some significant change that will push the British out of the EU. (Davis. D. Ireland says “No!” to EU power grab. Commentary, July, 1 2008)
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will not be an equal part of the European Union. Britain will either pull out or be forced out or at least truly lose its sovereignty. Many of the Anglo-peoples of the UK, USA, etc. that are not killed will to be scattered and many will be made slaves (Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?). That is what the Bible shows will happen during the Great Tribulation.
As far as this “Beast King” goes, he could possibly be the next EU president, but a restructure ultimately will be needed in Europe for the King of the North to have the type of power that the Bible indicate he will have (Revelation 17:12-13). The EU is not ready for that yet.
However, Tony Blair’s statements today are pointing to one more step towards certain biblical prophesies being fulfilled as he is realizing that the UK wants to pull out of the UK–and that is something will happen (directly or indirectly).
The final King of the North (Daniel 11:27-40) will take over the UK, USA, and their Anglo-allies according to Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:39). While more people in the UK are starting to realize that the EU poses dangers to it, most have no idea how dangerous the rising Beast power in Europe will become (cf. Revelation 13:1-4; Daniel 11:39). Britain will ultimately NOT thrive as part of the EU but will be taken over by the final European Beast power. (Thiel B. Tony Blair ‘Deeply Worried’ that UK May Leave EU. Church of God News, August 18, 2012)
Back in the early 1990s, when I was vice president of an irrigation equipment manufacturer, I told our British sales representative, who was then visiting the factory in California, that one day the UK would separate from Europe. He flat out told me that could not possibly happen. And he gave reasons, but they were not biblical ones–I told him he was in error. The Brexit situation shows that he, who was not part of the Church of God, was in error.
Most people do NOT realize what will happen in Europe.
Europe is prophesied to get a “great army” (Daniel 11:25). It will become militaristic and destroy the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies (Daniel 8:24-25, 11:25; Isaiah 10:5-11) and then a confederation of nations in the Middle East and North Africa (Daniel 11:40-43).
The Bible shows that when Europe finally emerges the world will marvel:
1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:1-4)
Notice that the military power of the Beast was something that the world will marvel at, be astonished about.
Why?
Because few truly thought that the European Beast power had the ability to rise up militarily.
And when it does, it will have trade problems with the USA and/or the UK. This will be a trigger that will lead to the end of the UK, as well as the USA:
24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power;
He shall destroy fearfully,
And shall prosper and thrive;
He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.25 “Through his cunning
He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule;
And he shall exalt himself in his heart.
He shall destroy many in their prosperity.
He shall even rise against the Prince of princes;
But he shall be broken without human means. (Daniel 8:24-25)39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (Daniel 11:39)
The ‘he’ is the European King of the North. The strongest fortresses in the 21st century belong to the USA, and to a much lesser degree, its British-descended allies. And these lands will be divided (see also Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?). Part of the King of the North’s power will come from the USA and UK, as well as through deceiving them and taking much of what they have (cf. Daniel 8:25; Lamentations 1:1-2). The fortress of the Brits is also prophesied to cease (Isaiah 17:3).
The Bible shows after problems happen, the UK peoples will try to make another deal with the Europeans, prophetically sometimes referred to as the Assyrians (cf. Isaiah 10; see also Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History and Germany in Biblical Prophecy).
Notice that in Hosea 12:1, Ephraim tries to make a deal with the Assyrians:
1 Ephraim feeds on the wind, And pursues the east wind; He daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians. And oil is carried to Egypt.
And in Hosea 7:11-12 Ephraim also tries to make a deal with Egypt and Assyria. This deal seems to be made after the USA has been eliminated or is on its way out.
11 Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without sense—They call to Egypt, They go to Assyria. 12 Wherever they go, I will spread My net on them; I will bring them down like birds of the air; I will chastise them, According to what their congregation has heard.
Those who overlook that prophesy should consider that there is nothing that I am aware of in world history that shows that Ephraim called to Egypt after Hosea was written in a manner to already fulfill that prophecy. Since this is a biblical prophecy, it must come to pass.
The time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), also known as the Great Tribulation, is coming. The UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will be conquered during it (see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).
The Europeans will one day severely punish the UK for its Brexit–beyond the current negotiations. But until then, expect tensions, ups, and downs in the relations between the UK and the EU.
Some items of related interest may include:
Brexit and the fate of Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, the UK, and the USA On April 29, 2017, 27 of the nations of the European Union agreed to certain guidelines for the negotiations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which gave its notice to leave on March 29, 2017. These guidelines are contrary to what the UK wants. Does the EU intend the UK to pay a price for leaving the EU? What does Spain want? What does the Republic of Ireland want? Will Northern Ireland and Gibraltar eventually fall under European control? Will the UK and USA be conquered? What does the Bible teach? Dr. Thiel answer these questions and more in this video.
Trade Wars: Are COG warnings coming to pass? Trade issues, tariffs, and talk of trade wars are in the news. Can trade wars lead to World War III like they did to World War II? Are the events going on with the USA, UK, Asia, and Europe consistent with warnings published by the true Church of God (COG) over the past several years and decades? Do Germany and China hope to take advantage of trade frictions involving the Trump Administration and the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement? What about Mexico and South America? Does the Bible teach that Europe will become a major trading power? Will the final European Babylonian trading power be destroyed? In this video, Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.
Forbes’ Brexit Monster is the Beast of Revelation Various ones have been properly convinced that there is a plan for a European superstate. Forbes’ writer Tom Worstall wrote that the Brexit vote was about the United Kingdom “not joining the monster of the European Union to come.” The Bible tells of a Beast monster that will arise in the end times in Europe. Dr. Thiel cites news reports, as well as the Old and New Testaments, to show that the monster many fear will arise in Europe, despite the vote by the British to exit the European Union. This is a video.
Collapse of the Euro and Dollar? War in 2020? Larry Edelson of Money and Markets described aspects of current economic difficulties and explained why he felt matters would get a lot worse. He said war, like World War III, could break out as early as 2020. What did he call the ‘granddaddy of all cycles”? Will matters go as he said? What does the Bible teach? Dr. Thiel provides biblical insights that secular sources often miss. This is a video.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these ‘sea gates’? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A version in Spanish ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)? Here is a version in Mandarin Chinese 英国将失去直布罗陀和福克兰群岛.
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
Post Brexit Prophecy On June 23, 2016, the voters of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) chose to leave the European Union. Now with this BRitish EXIT (Brexit) vote, what is prophesied to happen to the UK? Will the UK do well or be taken over and made slaves? Dr. Thiel explains from biblical prophecies what is ahead for the UK, Europe, and even the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is a video.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. A related sermon is titled: Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. A video of possible interest may be Will Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill? Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill? Could a Donald Trump presidency be apocalyptic? A related video is titled: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic?
Trump Presidency Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy? BBC reported that one might as well use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to try to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already began to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not? Dr. Thiel says that Bible prophecy can be trusted, despite the view of skeptics and others that either overlook or despise the Bible. This is a video.
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