On Democracy.

[atticus]

I expect an independent Scotland would not be a worse prospect than some of the 27.

That's not a yes or no!

surely you can deduce which it is more likely to be.

[miner]

I suspect that miner does not agree with all the content of the PM's letter to Mr Tusk.

Au contraire, Monsieur! You suspect wrong!

I read it a few hours ago just after it was published. My reaction to it was that is an extremely well-conceived and well-written letter - indeed, nothing less than as I would expect of our Prime Minister. And I'm not intending to nitpick its content, Hairy-style.

Donald Tusk seemed to be quite emotional about the UK's departure. Whether that was heartfelt as a Pole - Poland having traditionally had a great affinity for the UK - or over the forthcoming loss to the EU of the UK's major financial contributions I cannot determine. I will for now assume, however, that it was heartfelt, until I see any indications contradicting that.

Tusk is in a somewhat unenviable position. He must realize that a lot of the onus for keeping both sides on a positive footing must now fall on him, as his effective boss - Juncker - likely couldn't give a toss as he'll be out next year anyway, if not before, enjoying his undeserved and unjustifiable fat EU pension and yet more cognac than he reputedly presently consumes as the chief "Champagne Socialist" in Brussels.

PS - I observe that you, Atticus, have substantially amended the content of your post to which I replied in my posting - as you so often seem to do.

[miner]

.......... I was pleased to read her several references to the deep and special relationship between the UK and the EU, and to see that she rightly says that the UK wants the EU to succeed.

I was also pleased to see that the letter proposes a number of principles to be adopted by both sides in the negotiations to come. I have yet to study them fully, but. If Brexit must happen, they seema decent start.

Hell's Bells! This must be a good day, indeed, where you echo most of my own views on the PM's letter to M. Tusk (which I note were only added / edited in by you after my post had been submitted..... ).

And please don't bother to ask me what I mean by "most" as I have no intention of nit-picking a fundamentally excellent letter which sets the right tone for the Brexit negotiations to be mutually successful.

[atticus]

My edit was posted a good half hour before you replied.

[atticus]

But we now know that you share the PM's wish to see the EU succeed.

[miner]

Well, your original post is timed at 09.26 MT, and it was its original version to which I submitted my response at 10.15 MT, having had some interruptions at my end between starting it and submitting it.

Unfortunately, edits are untimed. I will accept your statement, though, as I have no reason to disbelieve you.

[miner]

But we now know that you share the PM's wish to see the EU succeed.

I have stated more than once today that I am not going to nitpick as to the content. At the end of the day, I care more about the UK than I do about the EU.

[tph]

I expect an independent Scotland would not be a worse prospect than some of the 27.

That's not a yes or no!

surely you can deduce which it is more likely to be.

That would make my initial question somewhat rhetorical.