I think she should have started the negotiation with the premise that WTC rules are a viable alternative model for trade with the EU.
Let the currency take the strain as required. The reduced value of sterling would make the UK competitive. There would be immediate economic damage. But the UK would recover after a while.
From a WTC is acceptable stance, then negotiate whatever things that can be done to improve that model for both sides.
The problems with the EU are:
It is removing sovereignty from the UK. The bottom line for me is that we control our own destiny. May has given into the EU on all sorts of critical matters.
It is essentially opposed to free trade - the wall is against non-Europeans. I am happy to trade with lowered tariffs with the rest of the world. If that comes at the expense of WTC-style tariff arrangements with the EU, so be it.
Lest we forget, when the chips are down, the UK's closest relationships are with Canada, Australia and NZ, and then next with the US. So in her shoes, I'd have been working on ensuring brilliant trade deals with our real friends.
But she seems worried only about a recession over the next few years, when we have a thousand years of future history to consider as an independent nation. We have a very strong constitution that has evolved since Anglo-Saxon times. That's the project I wish to continue.
I like Europe (ie as something different from the EU). But at arm's length. I have no interest in becoming part of an EU superstate. Or having them control any part of our country.
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