Re: Opportunites, we don't need no steenkin' opportunities!
@Loyal Commenter
"Glad to hear you finally acknowledge that there isn't a better deal availalbe than the current one (Eu membership)."
I dont think I have ever suggested we could get a better deal with the EU than being in unless the EU was somehow thicker than they already demonstrate. I do think we can get a trade deal as a third party and possibly more but its the freedom from the protectionist block that would benefit us.
"Whether the individual countries of the EU are struggling is a moot point"
Or the area in general. The EU proper (eurozone) being particularly afflicted badly and so a problem in the global recovery. It isnt moot to say the protectionist trade block we are tied to is sinking while others growing.
"Many businesses currently trade with people in those countries, buying and selling goods and services. If it costs those companies more to do business with those nations, then it costs those companies more"
Very true. Incentives matter. Being walled in and protectionist policies pushing trade with those who cannot compete at market makes things more expensive but causes more trade within the walls. Take away the walls and trade changes.
"Either way, trading on less favourable terms will cost businesses money. There is no benefit to them."
If their existence is entirely reliant on the walls then no they wont see the benefit of the protectionism being removed. But their over expensive existence is based on that protectionism. By saying there is no benefit to such businesses is to show the harm of the protectionism (they cannot survive in the market). Someone else is better or cheaper or both.
"In fact, loss of access to, or a reduction in access to, the EU labour market will likely also cost businesses money, as they will lose access to that pool of talent."
Why? Are we banning talent from coming to the UK?
"Nobody is saying there isn't, but some skills are rarefied, and limiting the pool from which you can draw such resources is an obvious handicap"
Very true. And I agree with you that we shouldnt block talent, from the entire world!