Peter Fane
@peterfane5.bsky.social
South Cambs District Council, Shelford ward councillor 🔶.
Consultant on European policy for 30 yrs. Migrating from twitter (X).
Consultant on European policy for 30 yrs. Migrating from twitter (X).
It is now urgent as well as essential that UK rejoins CSDP, European common security & defence, with interoperability, to reduce reliance on US technology and consent.
UK will be eligible once it rejoins EEA, essential for trade.
UK will be eligible once it rejoins EEA, essential for trade.
The fact we are making ourselves more dependant on US military assistance, not less, is fundamentally insane. We cannot rely on the US as a security partner, how obvious can that possibly be before the UK security establishment takes it in?
June 26, 2025 at 6:52 AM
It is now urgent as well as essential that UK rejoins CSDP, European common security & defence, with interoperability, to reduce reliance on US technology and consent.
UK will be eligible once it rejoins EEA, essential for trade.
UK will be eligible once it rejoins EEA, essential for trade.
The real benefits of a closer trade relationship with Europe are limited by Starmer’s red lines. Without the reciprocal free movement he once pledged to defend (but now rules out) there’ll be no frictionless trade with the single market, worth over 3% on med-term GDP.
What's also popular?
Reciprocal UK-EU Freedom of Movement, that's what!
Restoring Freedom of Movement can't be done in an instant, but why does the Govt go to such lengths to repeat that it is a "red line"?
Why do they insist on making rods for their own backs?
www.politico.eu/article/poll...
Reciprocal UK-EU Freedom of Movement, that's what!
Restoring Freedom of Movement can't be done in an instant, but why does the Govt go to such lengths to repeat that it is a "red line"?
Why do they insist on making rods for their own backs?
www.politico.eu/article/poll...
Poll: Brexit voters would accept free movement for EU single market access
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Donald Trump’s election victory “fundamentally changed” U.K.-EU relations, polling found.
www.politico.eu
May 17, 2025 at 5:43 PM
The real benefits of a closer trade relationship with Europe are limited by Starmer’s red lines. Without the reciprocal free movement he once pledged to defend (but now rules out) there’ll be no frictionless trade with the single market, worth over 3% on med-term GDP.
There is little scope for more than a short term fix on trade within Starmer’s red lines. The opportunities for a meaningul reset on trade have been missed.
Regulatory alignment is just half way to the single market, the restrictions without the crucial benefits:
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Regulatory alignment is just half way to the single market, the restrictions without the crucial benefits:
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Lib Dems claim deeper trade deal with EU would raise £25bn of tax revenue
Deal that stops short of joining customs union or single market could pay for reversing benefit cuts, party says
www.theguardian.com
May 17, 2025 at 5:35 PM
There is little scope for more than a short term fix on trade within Starmer’s red lines. The opportunities for a meaningul reset on trade have been missed.
Regulatory alignment is just half way to the single market, the restrictions without the crucial benefits:
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Regulatory alignment is just half way to the single market, the restrictions without the crucial benefits:
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Peter Fane
While I see all your conspiracy theories I regret to inform you that the horrible truth is that an old man with a tariff obsession has been given almost unlimited power in the world's richest country.
April 7, 2025 at 8:32 AM
While I see all your conspiracy theories I regret to inform you that the horrible truth is that an old man with a tariff obsession has been given almost unlimited power in the world's richest country.
Reposted by Peter Fane
Keir Starmer, "My priority — my only priority — is the people of Britain, and what makes them better off"
So why is Labour keeping the UK outside of EU Single Market?
So why is Labour keeping the UK outside of EU Single Market?
April 7, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Keir Starmer, "My priority — my only priority — is the people of Britain, and what makes them better off"
So why is Labour keeping the UK outside of EU Single Market?
So why is Labour keeping the UK outside of EU Single Market?
Reposted by Peter Fane
Why due process is important.
April 7, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Why due process is important.
Reposted by Peter Fane
Europe is ready to negotiate with the US.
We have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods.
Because we're always ready for a good deal.
But we’re also prepared to respond with countermeasures.
And protect ourselves against indirect effects through trade diversion ⭣
We have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods.
Because we're always ready for a good deal.
But we’re also prepared to respond with countermeasures.
And protect ourselves against indirect effects through trade diversion ⭣
April 7, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Europe is ready to negotiate with the US.
We have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods.
Because we're always ready for a good deal.
But we’re also prepared to respond with countermeasures.
And protect ourselves against indirect effects through trade diversion ⭣
We have offered zero-for-zero tariffs for industrial goods.
Because we're always ready for a good deal.
But we’re also prepared to respond with countermeasures.
And protect ourselves against indirect effects through trade diversion ⭣
Reposted by Peter Fane
Join our Europe Day 2025 rally in Cambridge!
We'll gather outside Cambridge Guildhall, CB2 3QJ, at 3 PM on Saturday 10th May to call on our political leaders to unite in defence of democracy and freedom in Europe.
www.facebook.com/share/1FsaJJ...
#EuropeDay2025 #UniteEurope #StandWithUkraine
We'll gather outside Cambridge Guildhall, CB2 3QJ, at 3 PM on Saturday 10th May to call on our political leaders to unite in defence of democracy and freedom in Europe.
www.facebook.com/share/1FsaJJ...
#EuropeDay2025 #UniteEurope #StandWithUkraine
April 7, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Join our Europe Day 2025 rally in Cambridge!
We'll gather outside Cambridge Guildhall, CB2 3QJ, at 3 PM on Saturday 10th May to call on our political leaders to unite in defence of democracy and freedom in Europe.
www.facebook.com/share/1FsaJJ...
#EuropeDay2025 #UniteEurope #StandWithUkraine
We'll gather outside Cambridge Guildhall, CB2 3QJ, at 3 PM on Saturday 10th May to call on our political leaders to unite in defence of democracy and freedom in Europe.
www.facebook.com/share/1FsaJJ...
#EuropeDay2025 #UniteEurope #StandWithUkraine
Reposted by Peter Fane
It's wise of the EU to offer Trump a ladder to climb down, if he is looking for one.
Trump's tariffs are damaging the US, so keeping the EU response targeted to minimise the cost to member states is smart.
Trump already has enough rope to hang himself.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Trump's tariffs are damaging the US, so keeping the EU response targeted to minimise the cost to member states is smart.
Trump already has enough rope to hang himself.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
EU offered ‘zero-for-zero’ deal to US weeks before tariff announcement
Cars and other goods were to be included, according to EU trade commissioner, who says offer is still on table
www.theguardian.com
April 7, 2025 at 6:45 PM
It's wise of the EU to offer Trump a ladder to climb down, if he is looking for one.
Trump's tariffs are damaging the US, so keeping the EU response targeted to minimise the cost to member states is smart.
Trump already has enough rope to hang himself.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Trump's tariffs are damaging the US, so keeping the EU response targeted to minimise the cost to member states is smart.
Trump already has enough rope to hang himself.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Reposted by Peter Fane
What's with Trump and lying about $350 billion?
First he said the US gave Ukraine $350 billion (it didn't), now he claims US has a trade deficit of $350 billion with the EU.
The actual deficit is about $50 billion after goods and services are counted.
How can anyone negotiate with this?
First he said the US gave Ukraine $350 billion (it didn't), now he claims US has a trade deficit of $350 billion with the EU.
The actual deficit is about $50 billion after goods and services are counted.
How can anyone negotiate with this?
President Trump, "EU was formed with countries from Europe, to create a monopoly situation, a unified force against the United States for trade"
"We have a deficit with the EU of £350 billion, it's going to disappear fast"
"They're going to have to buy our energy from us"
"We have a deficit with the EU of £350 billion, it's going to disappear fast"
"They're going to have to buy our energy from us"
April 7, 2025 at 9:40 PM
What's with Trump and lying about $350 billion?
First he said the US gave Ukraine $350 billion (it didn't), now he claims US has a trade deficit of $350 billion with the EU.
The actual deficit is about $50 billion after goods and services are counted.
How can anyone negotiate with this?
First he said the US gave Ukraine $350 billion (it didn't), now he claims US has a trade deficit of $350 billion with the EU.
The actual deficit is about $50 billion after goods and services are counted.
How can anyone negotiate with this?
Trump doesn’t read so he is easily deluded, www.yahoo.com/news/rachel-...
nor does he understand or care about history and the predictable effect of tariffs on US as well as world economy. He doesn’t understand that trade deals depend on mutual benefit. benefit
nor does he understand or care about history and the predictable effect of tariffs on US as well as world economy. He doesn’t understand that trade deals depend on mutual benefit. benefit
April 8, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Trump doesn’t read so he is easily deluded, www.yahoo.com/news/rachel-...
nor does he understand or care about history and the predictable effect of tariffs on US as well as world economy. He doesn’t understand that trade deals depend on mutual benefit. benefit
nor does he understand or care about history and the predictable effect of tariffs on US as well as world economy. He doesn’t understand that trade deals depend on mutual benefit. benefit
Reposted by Peter Fane
Heaven help us
April 7, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Heaven help us
Reposted by Peter Fane
⚡️Footage reveals no military personnel in Kryvyi Rih restaurant targeted by Russian attack.
Security footage shows no military personnel were present at a Krivyi Rih restaurant, despite Russian claims of military targets amid a Russian attack on the city on April 4, France 24 reported on April 7.
Security footage shows no military personnel were present at a Krivyi Rih restaurant, despite Russian claims of military targets amid a Russian attack on the city on April 4, France 24 reported on April 7.
Footage reveals no military personnel in Kryvyi Rih restaurant targeted by Russian attack
"They hit a peaceful residential area. They hit children and civilians with ballistics with cluster bombs," Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of Kryvyi Rih's military administration, said on April 7.
kyivindependent.com
April 7, 2025 at 11:17 PM
⚡️Footage reveals no military personnel in Kryvyi Rih restaurant targeted by Russian attack.
Security footage shows no military personnel were present at a Krivyi Rih restaurant, despite Russian claims of military targets amid a Russian attack on the city on April 4, France 24 reported on April 7.
Security footage shows no military personnel were present at a Krivyi Rih restaurant, despite Russian claims of military targets amid a Russian attack on the city on April 4, France 24 reported on April 7.
It’s now urgent that UK rejoins European economic area (EEA) and single market for trade; also CSDP - common European security & defence policy for interoperability in armament.
Both were essential before Trump, vital now, can be done from outside EU < 2 yrs.
Both were essential before Trump, vital now, can be done from outside EU < 2 yrs.
Just spoke with Keir Starmer and shared my concern over the impact of the US tariffs on the global economy.
We also discussed security & defence and the upcoming EU-UK Summit.
Read-out ↓
europa.eu/!mdYpw8
We also discussed security & defence and the upcoming EU-UK Summit.
Read-out ↓
europa.eu/!mdYpw8
April 7, 2025 at 9:35 AM
It’s now urgent that UK rejoins European economic area (EEA) and single market for trade; also CSDP - common European security & defence policy for interoperability in armament.
Both were essential before Trump, vital now, can be done from outside EU < 2 yrs.
Both were essential before Trump, vital now, can be done from outside EU < 2 yrs.
Reposted by Peter Fane
Mark Carney: “I have seen this movie before. I know exactly what’s going to happen.”
April 5, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Mark Carney: “I have seen this movie before. I know exactly what’s going to happen.”
As Trump’s tariffs trigger predicted trade war and possible stock market crash, he said: “I don’t want anything to go down. But sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.” Bleach was his preferred medicine for Covid.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-u...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-u...
Coronavirus: Outcry after Trump suggests injecting disinfectant as treatment
Doctors call the president's latest remarks about coronavirus treatment
www.bbc.co.uk
April 7, 2025 at 9:26 AM
As Trump’s tariffs trigger predicted trade war and possible stock market crash, he said: “I don’t want anything to go down. But sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.” Bleach was his preferred medicine for Covid.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-u...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-u...
Tony Blair says he tried to make the case for stronger European defence after the Kosovo war in 1999, because “it became clear to me that we could never have done it without the Americans. I thought, ‘This is crazy: what happens if Americans decide they don’t want to be part of it?’
They have now.
They have now.
April 4, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Tony Blair says he tried to make the case for stronger European defence after the Kosovo war in 1999, because “it became clear to me that we could never have done it without the Americans. I thought, ‘This is crazy: what happens if Americans decide they don’t want to be part of it?’
They have now.
They have now.
As Lord (Iain) Vallance argues in the Times, UK should prepare to join Norway + 27 EU MSs in the European economic area and single market. As he says, there could scarcely be a better time to negotiate this deal, which still adheres to the result of the 2016 referendum.
March 31, 2025 at 8:24 AM
As Lord (Iain) Vallance argues in the Times, UK should prepare to join Norway + 27 EU MSs in the European economic area and single market. As he says, there could scarcely be a better time to negotiate this deal, which still adheres to the result of the 2016 referendum.
Reposted by Peter Fane
🌍 "Labour’s ‘red lines’ on its relationship reset with the European Union, including no return to the Single Market or the EU Customs Union, must now be revisited and revised.
The reasons why will not have escaped the Chancellor’s notice, even if she does not want to look in their direction."
The reasons why will not have escaped the Chancellor’s notice, even if she does not want to look in their direction."
Chancellor must ‘supercharge EU reset’ to escape economic black holes
"Getting the UK back in the Single Market and the Customs Union is a prerequisite for creating sustained growth that can improve opportunities for British people across the board"
northeastbylines.co.uk
March 26, 2025 at 11:52 AM
🌍 "Labour’s ‘red lines’ on its relationship reset with the European Union, including no return to the Single Market or the EU Customs Union, must now be revisited and revised.
The reasons why will not have escaped the Chancellor’s notice, even if she does not want to look in their direction."
The reasons why will not have escaped the Chancellor’s notice, even if she does not want to look in their direction."
For those who want to know what the Trump cult really thinks about a ‘special relationship’ with UK.
Here's Marjorie Taylor Greene literally telling a British reporter to "go back to your country" and berating her for trying to ask a question.
"We don't give a CRAP about your opinion."
"We don't give a CRAP about your opinion."
March 27, 2025 at 1:02 AM
For those who want to know what the Trump cult really thinks about a ‘special relationship’ with UK.
eligibility changes to PIP will see 370,000 current claimants lose their entitlement.
Ed Davey said 150,000 people will lose their carer’s allowance - a “double whammy to the most vulnerable, hitting disabled people who cannot work while slashing support for the loved ones who care for them.”
Ed Davey said 150,000 people will lose their carer’s allowance - a “double whammy to the most vulnerable, hitting disabled people who cannot work while slashing support for the loved ones who care for them.”
March 27, 2025 at 12:59 AM
eligibility changes to PIP will see 370,000 current claimants lose their entitlement.
Ed Davey said 150,000 people will lose their carer’s allowance - a “double whammy to the most vulnerable, hitting disabled people who cannot work while slashing support for the loved ones who care for them.”
Ed Davey said 150,000 people will lose their carer’s allowance - a “double whammy to the most vulnerable, hitting disabled people who cannot work while slashing support for the loved ones who care for them.”
We knew before Trump’s tariffs what UK had to do to rebuild trade and restore growth. Starmer ruled it out for electoral reasons, we now have a no-growth economy exposed to the effects of Trump’s trade war. It’s an open goal for LibDems, whose policy has long been to rejoin the single market via EEA
March 23, 2025 at 10:01 AM
We knew before Trump’s tariffs what UK had to do to rebuild trade and restore growth. Starmer ruled it out for electoral reasons, we now have a no-growth economy exposed to the effects of Trump’s trade war. It’s an open goal for LibDems, whose policy has long been to rejoin the single market via EEA
Reposted by Peter Fane
Within his first month back in power, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly taken Russia's side on a host of issues.
But Trump’s world moves fast, and it’s hard to remember everything. So here’s our recap. 👉 www.politico.eu/article/dona...
But Trump’s world moves fast, and it’s hard to remember everything. So here’s our recap. 👉 www.politico.eu/article/dona...
February 21, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Within his first month back in power, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly taken Russia's side on a host of issues.
But Trump’s world moves fast, and it’s hard to remember everything. So here’s our recap. 👉 www.politico.eu/article/dona...
But Trump’s world moves fast, and it’s hard to remember everything. So here’s our recap. 👉 www.politico.eu/article/dona...
Alan Rusbridger’s column “A British Trump tribute act could snatch power in the UK”.
So it didn’t happen in 2024.
But Starmer’s decline in polls and refusal to introduce PR makes it likely a combined Tory/Reform party with a charismatic leader could snatch power on as little as 35% of vote in ‘29.
So it didn’t happen in 2024.
But Starmer’s decline in polls and refusal to introduce PR makes it likely a combined Tory/Reform party with a charismatic leader could snatch power on as little as 35% of vote in ‘29.
February 20, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Alan Rusbridger’s column “A British Trump tribute act could snatch power in the UK”.
So it didn’t happen in 2024.
But Starmer’s decline in polls and refusal to introduce PR makes it likely a combined Tory/Reform party with a charismatic leader could snatch power on as little as 35% of vote in ‘29.
So it didn’t happen in 2024.
But Starmer’s decline in polls and refusal to introduce PR makes it likely a combined Tory/Reform party with a charismatic leader could snatch power on as little as 35% of vote in ‘29.
So if the US can’t now contribute to any organisation with the theme or values of SOLIDARITY, EQUALITY, and SUSTAINABILITY, must we now expect US to pull out of UN as well as UNFCC, G20 as well as G7?
The US is not attending this year's G20, with its theme of SOLIDARITY, EQUALITY, and SUSTAINABILITY, because they don't endorse and can't contribute policy to these values.
Canada, hosting this year's G7 meeting, should exclude Trump and the US, and be a G6 with a focus on dealing with the USA.
Canada, hosting this year's G7 meeting, should exclude Trump and the US, and be a G6 with a focus on dealing with the USA.
February 15, 2025 at 8:35 PM
So if the US can’t now contribute to any organisation with the theme or values of SOLIDARITY, EQUALITY, and SUSTAINABILITY, must we now expect US to pull out of UN as well as UNFCC, G20 as well as G7?