Basic maths....
I don’t normally blog on a Sunday but the latest farcical proposal needs addressing.
The UK is “threatening” to withdraw from three EU research programmes, which will “cost” the EU £15 billion. Apparently as a way of punishing the EU for its addiction to obeying international law and honouring the treaties it signs.
Leaving aside the ridiculous politics, the reason for putting money into research is that the rewards are larger than the investment. So withdrawing will cost the UK money and give the EU a huge competitive advantage.
Even worse, one of the brightest stars in the UK economy is the quality and reputation of its universities. This move would stop them doing something they know is vitally important to their prospects, attractiveness and finances.
Utter madness but popular with the ultras, so I imagine it will happen next week.
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.