Well, maybe not actual unicorns!! But loads of money for the NHS, no foreigners ruining job chances, No EU red tape etc - I honestly can't remember most of the reasons people told me they were voting for Brexit as I generally didn't agree but they weren't willing to discuss, just shout. One of my oldest friends did shout at me because he didn't understand why I was planning to vote remain - and he shouted about vacuum suction (on hoovers) being restricted by the EU and lightbulbs not being allowed to be bright enough, also restricted by the EUPotter wrote: ↑Tue Nov 02, 2021 2:01 pm Come on, no one was voting for unicorns and most of everyone had no idea what the status quo was, if you stopped your average bloke in the street and asked him about the UK balance sheet he'd probably swallow his own tongue.
It's also not a massive disaster, aside from expats I haven't heard from anyone with an actual tangible disadvantage that isn't able to be side-stepped by some fairly basic planning.
How can you discuss with people like that
I haven't asked people back in the UK because I am not there (and am wary of getting into the subject because people often seem to be 'militant' on either side!)
But out here - lots of issues. Lots of additional costs. Lots of stress, paperwork, business costs.
For me and people I know, yes, there are disadvantages. But, we all have to get on with it and whilst the phrase "Brexit, the gift that keeps taking" is one I see written often, it is true.
Yes, things here will settle down in a few years. But in the meantime, things are tough in the tourist industry and I'm VERY glad to be working for someone else this season - which is only possible because I have been able to apply for and get an Irish passport.
If I hadn't, I would have struggled to get a job in my area of the industry - the Swiss are not giving out paperwork for drivers doing transfers to and from Geneva with UK passports. Even France resident business owners are struggling to get the paperwork if they only have a UK passport.
I could have worked for chalet companies (anything except a transfer driver) because I have a residence card but I would not be in a position to do my actual job without that Irish passport There are many that don't have an EU passport and are having to find other work