SmoggyPauly

Probably the most impressive & useful post to date...

What am I reading wrong? - I stated the biggest buyer of our goods was the USA. If you want to start merging countries together to prove we trade more elsewhere then thats fine, we can all do that...I could merge every non EU countries trade together to prove the same point. The exports to Germany & France alone might be close to the USA but the fact is, even though you merged two countries figures together, they are still less than the USA. Yes, you could then add 25 more countries to further prove a point but for every country you add, the point becomes less relevent. The page you linked to states: EU Exports for April 2016 were £12.0 billion. This remained unchanged compared with last month Non-EU Exports for April 2016 were £13.0 billion. This was an increase of £0.1 billion (0.8 per cent) See the figures can be manipulated in any way you want, and specific facts lifted to prove/disprove points. You can use imports, exports and a mixture of the two to make the figures suit your case. But, these figures are all irrelevant unless it is believed that this trade will stop if we leave the EU, which we all know will not be the case. It's like using the argument that X amount of jobs depend on trade with the EU. Yes, I'm sure they do...but by saying that you are implying that all these jobs will be lost, which of course isn't true. My point by adding trade figures was not to try and say we could do without the EU, of course we can't and anyone who thinks we can is grossly misinformed. The point was that our trade is much bigger than the EU and we are as important to them as they are to us. I haven't checked the below figures (yet) as I just found this page, but it is an interesting list of who in the world we have trade deficits/surplus' with. It seems that most in the defecit table are EU and most in the surplus table are from outside the EU... http://www.worldstopexports.com/united-kingdoms-top-import-partners/

Less said about UKIP supporters the better quite frankly! Most governments are swayed and listen to businesses and I doubt that many businesses in EU countries would be pleased if their governments made it hard for them to trade with the UK. We are worth too much to them...whether we are worth more to them than they are to us is immaterial really. The fact is we're important to them so why would they put that at risk? The import/export figures can be manipulated any way you like but again, as I said in my post: Of course, there is even a possibility that a vote out decision would spark serious debate across Europe and lead to a number of nations questioning their membership. This in turn could lead to the monumental reforms that I believe are necessary to make the EU what it should be. That's just speculation though and shouldn't really sway anyones decision... Either way, it makes for an interesting few months...because even a close vote to remain (which is likely) could spark some of the questions mentioned above!

Fair point... I believe that the EU has recently agreed a tariff free trade deal with Vietnam - haven't looked into it in detail but might take a look at how a post EU deal could look. If they can strike one with Vietnam then why not us? The free movement thing isnt a big issue for me to be honest - I don't think it's a big a problem as people make out it is! Bone idle layabouts that were born and bred here are just a big, if not bigger problem in my opinion! I would guess on the balance of things, most immigrants come to the UK wanting a job and to pay taxes, NI etc. - the lottery of where they took their first breathe is of little concern if they are decent human beings who want to contribute positively to society!

Must admit BobbyZ, I have wondered if it will really make any difference to the general working man (or woman) - I also have my doubts!

Firstly, congrats on actually reading my rantings! Quite an achievement in itself! However, I never once said I believed the EU is less democratic than our current UK government. You are putting words into my mouth. What I said was that most people who cast a vote in UK elections roughly know how our government works. Maybe not all the small details but a rough idea of how it works. Most even know their MP's name. However, when it comes to the EU, unless you are an expert (which despite a lot of research I am most certainly not) it is really hard to understand exactly what it is you are voting for. What's more, very few people know who their MEP is, which to me demonstrates in itself a lack of engagement. As I said in my Facebook post: Sorry, but I don't personally think it is as simple as you are putting it. As for the Uk government, well that's a separate issue altogether - one we'd likely agree on to be honest. I'm no fan of the Lords, or (most) politicians. It's also true to say the Tories are in with only 34% of the vote - although it was still more than any other party (not that it makes it right) Hey I'm no raving Brexiteer to be honest - I simply put my thoughts down from genuine research I did from reliable sources and came to my conclusions. I'd like to see some European integration, but do not believe that the European union as we have it is the answer. I'm also no fan of big government in general so that in itself goes against what I believe in. Each to their own though - I'm horrified by the ridicule, lies and almost hatred from both sides. It seems to be much more aggressive than anything I've seen before...

My thoughts on the EU referendum are in the link below...I'm for leaving...just...but not for the usual right wing reasons. Mine is mainly based around the lack of democracy... https://www.facebook.com/Tee55ider/posts/10154459536169384 Its a long old post mind...well done if you bother to read it! =D

Been watching these very closely, but was gutted yesterday by this announcement: https://workshoptwelve.com/2016/04/14/a-change-of-plans/#more-1847 Lack of secured funding means these are unlikely to happen now!

Had a feeling you might say that! Yeah, I'm in the orange Z...

Passed a silver one a few times on Cowpen Lane on my way home from work as I live in Cowpen. Think it must be someone who works round there...

Sounded very nice. Looked spotless too =)

Spotted a white 370 on my way to work this morning on Haverton Hill Road about 6:45am...then at about 8:25 whilst on my way to Falcon Performance for a service, a black 350Z (I think...it was kinda blurry) on the A66 (Cargo Fleet Lane roundabout) heading towards Redcar...I would have waved but think the driver was possibly late for work... Nice tone to the exhaust though... Anyone here?

Yeah, going to miss 'Mr. Two' but it was time for a change...it's been a couple of weeks now mind and it's still not up for sale... Thought we were going to miss out for a minute...thanks for that!

I'm in Cowpen Bewley at the back of Billingham so not far away - thanks, I'll keep him in mind

Hi all! New Z owner here from 'sunny' Teesside, having had Toyota MR2's for many years. Been toying with a change for a while now and it was a toss up between a GT86 and the Z, with the Z winning through in the end =) 04 Nismo fitted with Veilside Titanium exhaust...rather loud! Not rushing into any major changes just yet but would like some after-market wheels and will carry out some internal soundproofing shortly I think! Also have lost the cover off my headlight washer so need to get that replaced asap. Anyone know the best place to source one? It may need a whole washer unit as I'm not sure if it has just lost the cover or more has broken off. Couple of photos including one with the Two...which will be being sold soon to give me some garage room! Paul