Brexit - What the Hell Happens Now?: Revised Edition

A little dated now, as current events overtake anything written a year ago, but still mostly relevant.This book probably isn't going to be of use to those most firmly convinced of the need to leave the EU without any trade agreement in place.The book could probably state upfront that the first chapter is only a "worst case scenario", in the event of a complete failure by the UK and EU governments to come to a withdrawal agreement (enabling a smooth transition), thus sparing it similar criticism to the recent "worst case" scenarios from the Bank of England. Of course, Ian Dunt's worst case scenario now looks increasingly likely. Let's hope that if we leave on 29th March that we choose an emergency agreement with the EU instead of one with the US.This book is factually wrong on EFTA membership, because it is extremely unlikely despite Ian Dunt's preference for it. Of course, he wasn't to know when this book was written that Norway would give a vehement "No" to the idea. It's pretty obvious on reflection that Norway would not appreciate EFTA being dominated by the UK's much larger economy, just as British Eurosceptics don't like being "dominated" (in their imaginations) by France and Germany within the EU.Anyway, certainly a negotiated deal to remain within the European Economic Area single market (but not EFTA) would have been possible with the Leave vote, but it has been taken off the table due to UK (and EU) politicians' fears of anti-immigration sentiment.I would say this is the best, most definitive, short guide to Brexit for those with open minds, meticulously researched from the input of many experts in trade and economics. It offers clear definitions and explanations for all those concepts of international co-operation which most people in the UK have been able to stay blissfully unaware of until that fateful day in 2016. The big thing I took away from it is how it's actually the WTO where a lot of the business of international trade gets done, rather than the European Commission of popular imagination.

This is a book that Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage would hate because it maps out a few uncomfortable truths about Brexit that many Brexiteers don't want to hear. Leaving Europe was always going to be complicated and we ended up with a PM and his clueless Cabinet who can't do complex. Everything said in this book can be checked out against other sources and should be - most of what the author says is true and the horrors will soon be there for us all to see. We didn't and cannot retain our independence. Every country we do deals with has strings attached. How can we do deals for solid goods with countries thousands of miles away and hope to make substantial profits?

Despite the title, this isn't simply a set of predictions. The book has useful facts about history and current events, e.g. the difference between the single market and the customs union, and the structure of the EU (commission, parliament, and council).The author acknowledges that the EU isn't perfect, and that some people have valid concerns (e.g. a UK business which only has local customers might not see the need to conform to EU standards). However, he also talks about the logistical challenge of separating the UK from the EU, e.g. training enough vets to supervise animal deaths in abattoirs.As I write this (9 days before the agreed exit date!), it's still anyone's guess what will happen. However, this gives some idea of the possibilities.

In my varied Christmas reading is a gem. It's Ian Dunt's 'Brexit: What the Hell Happens Now?: 2018 Edition.' I recommend it wholeheartedly - just £2.99 on Kindle - as a succinct and readable account of the complicated Brexit mess that we are in. Moreover, the book also reminds readers about how we got to where we are - the Boris Johnson lies from Brussels, the ludicrous claims as to what benefits Brexit would bring us, and the complexities of the Brexit process that were never explained to us. The Brexiteers are rightly excoriated and the millions who voted Leave are not let off lightly. The latter ought to have listened and learned and thought more about the disastous decisions that they made in June, 2016. Will our country ever recover? I just don't know, even after reading this excellent exposition of our present situation.

Used for my European Law course. Clear overview with all the important facts behind the decision making processes. Very helpful indeed. Most readable.

I think the key thing this book highlights is the misunderstandings and assumptions that the British leavers/politicians have made about the EU over the last 40 years. This is an existential thing for them. When you have had various armies of various colours go back and forward over your neighborhood creating mayhem & pillage in the last 100 years you don't forget easily. You want something more than just economics. The British don't see that because it has never happened here (not since 1066 at any rate). Looking at the options on the table right now it is either Norway + or a very bad experience for all of us next April!

What you think of this book will likely be influenced by your view on Brexit. That is a shame because, whatever your political view, this is an exemplary piece of writing. Dunt has done the hard work talking to experts and now performs the invaluable task of spelling out real world consequences in a way anyone can understand. The book is both clear and energetic in style and a very good way to begin the journey of getting your head around Brexit's "mad riddle".

Thoroughly researched and simply written - sets out the facts about Brexit clearly. Eye opening and sobering. Does not cover more recent developments