Niall Ó Conghaile
@nialloconghaile.bsky.social
🇪🇺
European.
Views my own; RT = interest, not endorsement.
European.
Views my own; RT = interest, not endorsement.
Pinned
I understand. We understand.
We understand the importance that Europe had in your lives and the sense of biting loss for many of you.
We understand what Brexit has done.
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We understand the importance that Europe had in your lives and the sense of biting loss for many of you.
We understand what Brexit has done.
2
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
I think the LibDems statements on the customs union is just politicking to put pressure on Starmer.
But I agree, now is not the time to play with this in this era dominated by Trump, Putin and Xi.
A better approach is to be straight with the voters and demand full EU membership now.
But I agree, now is not the time to play with this in this era dominated by Trump, Putin and Xi.
A better approach is to be straight with the voters and demand full EU membership now.
February 3, 2026 at 10:30 AM
I think the LibDems statements on the customs union is just politicking to put pressure on Starmer.
But I agree, now is not the time to play with this in this era dominated by Trump, Putin and Xi.
A better approach is to be straight with the voters and demand full EU membership now.
But I agree, now is not the time to play with this in this era dominated by Trump, Putin and Xi.
A better approach is to be straight with the voters and demand full EU membership now.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
Don't even need a hard border. Drones! AI! Wibble wibble!
February 3, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Don't even need a hard border. Drones! AI! Wibble wibble!
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
No expert, but doesn't seem to be factually accurate. Brexit DID make exporting more difficult by introducing ROO on UK exports to EU.
Notably on EV, so much so UK lobbied to have the implementation date shifted to 2027.
blogs.sussex.ac.uk/uktpo/public...
Notably on EV, so much so UK lobbied to have the implementation date shifted to 2027.
blogs.sussex.ac.uk/uktpo/public...
February 3, 2026 at 9:56 AM
No expert, but doesn't seem to be factually accurate. Brexit DID make exporting more difficult by introducing ROO on UK exports to EU.
Notably on EV, so much so UK lobbied to have the implementation date shifted to 2027.
blogs.sussex.ac.uk/uktpo/public...
Notably on EV, so much so UK lobbied to have the implementation date shifted to 2027.
blogs.sussex.ac.uk/uktpo/public...
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
Is this really true? Can this possibly be Best for Britain's position?
It just seems to amount to cherrypicking.
I do wonder how BfB has cornered itself to such an anti-European position?
A 🧵
It just seems to amount to cherrypicking.
I do wonder how BfB has cornered itself to such an anti-European position?
A 🧵
February 3, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
Unfortunately you are exactly right, Bill. Most of these discussions are pointless as they completely ignore the law, policy and interests of the EU.
February 3, 2026 at 8:13 AM
Unfortunately you are exactly right, Bill. Most of these discussions are pointless as they completely ignore the law, policy and interests of the EU.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
“Our national interest” as a condition of co-operation is as clear an expression as we’ll ever see of English isolationism. Not even the threat of Europe being overrun by Russia can persuade statesmen like KS to abandon the backward notion of Brits as a ‘proud island race’.
February 3, 2026 at 8:12 AM
“Our national interest” as a condition of co-operation is as clear an expression as we’ll ever see of English isolationism. Not even the threat of Europe being overrun by Russia can persuade statesmen like KS to abandon the backward notion of Brits as a ‘proud island race’.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
…likely to tear up all deals made.
The UK needs to figure out what it wants and it needs consensus among all major parties.
None of which is likely to happen anytime soon.
In the meantime the status quo works very well for the EU.
The UK is not even trying to make it worthwhile for the EU.
The UK needs to figure out what it wants and it needs consensus among all major parties.
None of which is likely to happen anytime soon.
In the meantime the status quo works very well for the EU.
The UK is not even trying to make it worthwhile for the EU.
February 3, 2026 at 7:58 AM
…likely to tear up all deals made.
The UK needs to figure out what it wants and it needs consensus among all major parties.
None of which is likely to happen anytime soon.
In the meantime the status quo works very well for the EU.
The UK is not even trying to make it worthwhile for the EU.
The UK needs to figure out what it wants and it needs consensus among all major parties.
None of which is likely to happen anytime soon.
In the meantime the status quo works very well for the EU.
The UK is not even trying to make it worthwhile for the EU.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
But personally I think turning a blind eye to Labour becoming ever more extreme and refusing to make some brave decisions, on a.o. the EU and immigration, will do the opposite. It will destroy their chances at the next GE, and will only help Farage.
/end
/end
February 3, 2026 at 7:59 AM
But personally I think turning a blind eye to Labour becoming ever more extreme and refusing to make some brave decisions, on a.o. the EU and immigration, will do the opposite. It will destroy their chances at the next GE, and will only help Farage.
/end
/end
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
I am not sure it is support for Starmer as much as it is support for Labour. And it goes much, much further than "just" Brexit. Just occasionally they - very mildly imo - criticise Labour over things that would have made them very vocal had it been the Tories before last GE / Farage now.
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February 3, 2026 at 7:54 AM
I am not sure it is support for Starmer as much as it is support for Labour. And it goes much, much further than "just" Brexit. Just occasionally they - very mildly imo - criticise Labour over things that would have made them very vocal had it been the Tories before last GE / Farage now.
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Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
Lebedev is still a Lord...
February 3, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Lebedev is still a Lord...
Important to state that even if the LDs consider this a "first step", Europe doesn't or would not
Each step is potentially final. So the responsibility of Europe is to consider that as an end state and to advantage citizens and MSs as much as possible.
1
Each step is potentially final. So the responsibility of Europe is to consider that as an end state and to advantage citizens and MSs as much as possible.
1
Lib Dems want a customs union as the first step towards joining the EU.
We want the UK back at the heart of Europe, but we're realistic enough to accept it'll take time.
We want the UK back at the heart of Europe, but we're realistic enough to accept it'll take time.
February 3, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Important to state that even if the LDs consider this a "first step", Europe doesn't or would not
Each step is potentially final. So the responsibility of Europe is to consider that as an end state and to advantage citizens and MSs as much as possible.
1
Each step is potentially final. So the responsibility of Europe is to consider that as an end state and to advantage citizens and MSs as much as possible.
1
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
Brexit was always going to be an economic disaster and so it has come to pass. The Daily Express (🤮 ) is culpable.
February 2, 2026 at 10:43 PM
Brexit was always going to be an economic disaster and so it has come to pass. The Daily Express (🤮 ) is culpable.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
She sounds like she is winging it. I thought she was going to talk about EU regulations around bendy Bananas.
She and her ex may have had something in common: a tendancey to boosterism and supreme (unfounded) self confidence.
She and her ex may have had something in common: a tendancey to boosterism and supreme (unfounded) self confidence.
February 2, 2026 at 8:48 PM
She sounds like she is winging it. I thought she was going to talk about EU regulations around bendy Bananas.
She and her ex may have had something in common: a tendancey to boosterism and supreme (unfounded) self confidence.
She and her ex may have had something in common: a tendancey to boosterism and supreme (unfounded) self confidence.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
I believe there is a British ruling class hatred of Europe, a lot of which has spilled over to some of the rest of the population. Hence brexit. However these anti EU stories are not honest opinion pieces. They're just today's means of peddling hate to keep the masses angry & media owners in control
February 2, 2026 at 7:25 PM
I believe there is a British ruling class hatred of Europe, a lot of which has spilled over to some of the rest of the population. Hence brexit. However these anti EU stories are not honest opinion pieces. They're just today's means of peddling hate to keep the masses angry & media owners in control
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
To be honest, I tend to agree with him more often than not. There's too much exceptionalism on both sides of the Brexit divide in the UK.
February 2, 2026 at 7:17 PM
To be honest, I tend to agree with him more often than not. There's too much exceptionalism on both sides of the Brexit divide in the UK.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
Working in the sector this is NOT true. Prior to 2016 the UK had the biggest output of vehicles after Germany over 1,5 million. The automotive sector is the biggest exporting sector of Goods for the UK over £100 billion and basically props up the whole of the West Midlands economy.
February 2, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Working in the sector this is NOT true. Prior to 2016 the UK had the biggest output of vehicles after Germany over 1,5 million. The automotive sector is the biggest exporting sector of Goods for the UK over £100 billion and basically props up the whole of the West Midlands economy.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
Hard to know if this deserves a *Bwah hah hah hah* or a *sad trumpet*
You can feel the seething Europhobic rage. Good.
This is Brexit, my quitter chums. You have driven the UK car industry to its lowest level in modern times, not us.
1
You can feel the seething Europhobic rage. Good.
This is Brexit, my quitter chums. You have driven the UK car industry to its lowest level in modern times, not us.
1
February 2, 2026 at 8:02 AM
Hard to know if this deserves a *Bwah hah hah hah* or a *sad trumpet*
You can feel the seething Europhobic rage. Good.
This is Brexit, my quitter chums. You have driven the UK car industry to its lowest level in modern times, not us.
1
You can feel the seething Europhobic rage. Good.
This is Brexit, my quitter chums. You have driven the UK car industry to its lowest level in modern times, not us.
1
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
I just found time to listen to Marina Wheeler and tbh for me it's bullshit from the first minute right up to the last.
I've no clue why she wants to engage with the EU as she's got nothing to offer.
Maybe she should make herself useful in different areas but the EU is not a suitable patch.
I've no clue why she wants to engage with the EU as she's got nothing to offer.
Maybe she should make herself useful in different areas but the EU is not a suitable patch.
February 2, 2026 at 6:03 PM
I just found time to listen to Marina Wheeler and tbh for me it's bullshit from the first minute right up to the last.
I've no clue why she wants to engage with the EU as she's got nothing to offer.
Maybe she should make herself useful in different areas but the EU is not a suitable patch.
I've no clue why she wants to engage with the EU as she's got nothing to offer.
Maybe she should make herself useful in different areas but the EU is not a suitable patch.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
When we bought our first house in Billericay in 1982 the curtains in our lounge and bedrooms were made out of Granada Ghia seat cover material
February 2, 2026 at 4:31 PM
When we bought our first house in Billericay in 1982 the curtains in our lounge and bedrooms were made out of Granada Ghia seat cover material
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
And all the idiots in 2015/6/7 who were promoting “UK will continue to have access to single market”.
They were all right!
UK has *access*, as do all companies/countries. BUT the goods (and services) must comply with the EEA rules.
How do you prove that without documents, certificates and testing.
They were all right!
UK has *access*, as do all companies/countries. BUT the goods (and services) must comply with the EEA rules.
How do you prove that without documents, certificates and testing.
February 2, 2026 at 4:26 PM
And all the idiots in 2015/6/7 who were promoting “UK will continue to have access to single market”.
They were all right!
UK has *access*, as do all companies/countries. BUT the goods (and services) must comply with the EEA rules.
How do you prove that without documents, certificates and testing.
They were all right!
UK has *access*, as do all companies/countries. BUT the goods (and services) must comply with the EEA rules.
How do you prove that without documents, certificates and testing.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
Is this really true? Can this possibly be Best for Britain's position?
It just seems to amount to cherrypicking.
I do wonder how BfB has cornered itself to such an anti-European position?
A 🧵
It just seems to amount to cherrypicking.
I do wonder how BfB has cornered itself to such an anti-European position?
A 🧵
February 1, 2026 at 9:09 AM
Is this really true? Can this possibly be Best for Britain's position?
It just seems to amount to cherrypicking.
I do wonder how BfB has cornered itself to such an anti-European position?
A 🧵
It just seems to amount to cherrypicking.
I do wonder how BfB has cornered itself to such an anti-European position?
A 🧵
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
The UK is not a "closest neighbor" to the EU in anything but geography. The leading two parties in the polls are openly hostile to Europe, Labour is indifferent at best. The EU has been "too nice" to the UK in order to not burn bridges in the future, bridges the British had no problem burning.
February 2, 2026 at 2:15 PM
The UK is not a "closest neighbor" to the EU in anything but geography. The leading two parties in the polls are openly hostile to Europe, Labour is indifferent at best. The EU has been "too nice" to the UK in order to not burn bridges in the future, bridges the British had no problem burning.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
The single market is open to all. As long as you can meet and, more importantly, demonstrate that you have met that market's requirements. It is far easier to do that by being in the single market of course.
February 2, 2026 at 2:11 PM
The single market is open to all. As long as you can meet and, more importantly, demonstrate that you have met that market's requirements. It is far easier to do that by being in the single market of course.
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
Have I missed something?
Is the EU now trying to attract us back?
I must have missed that memo
Is the EU now trying to attract us back?
I must have missed that memo
February 2, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Have I missed something?
Is the EU now trying to attract us back?
I must have missed that memo
Is the EU now trying to attract us back?
I must have missed that memo
Reposted by Niall Ó Conghaile
It's Brexiters' way of acknowledging Brexit economic damage. Of course they can't admit it was their fault & so stick to the punishment meme even though they know the rules apply to all 3rd countries. They perpetually moan about their own doing to cause trouble & daren't admit what they really want.
February 2, 2026 at 12:32 PM
It's Brexiters' way of acknowledging Brexit economic damage. Of course they can't admit it was their fault & so stick to the punishment meme even though they know the rules apply to all 3rd countries. They perpetually moan about their own doing to cause trouble & daren't admit what they really want.