He provides some suggestions for the UK in its future dealings with the EU, with an eye on the success of the countries that have struck special deals with Brussels. By standing somewhat apart, the members of the European Free Trade Area (Efta) - Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Lichtenstein - are doing much better than EU members, Hannon notes.
And he easily dispenses with some of the lines put forth by "Euro-apologists" too:
...You can't compare us to Iceland," they say, "Iceland has fish." So, of course would Britain, but for the ecological calamity of the CFP. "We're nothing like Norway," they go on, "Norway has oil." Indeed; and Britain is the only net exporter of oil in the EU. Then my particular favourite: "But Switzerland has all those banks." Yes. And London is the world's premier financial centre - although it is, admittedly, being slowly asphyxiated by EU financial regulation...hat tip: Orrin Judd
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