Ireland is making UK it's bitch with backdoor stop and EU is just happy to back little old Ireland despite the might of UK. And UK didn't even step on Germany's or France's toes yet!
That's what happens when you take on someone that dwarfs you in reality, despite your illusions. EU economy is 7-8 times larger then the UK, it has 9 times bigger market and UK was getting back from EU about the same as it was contributing. That's how the EU budget works... You speak of fishing rights but fail to mention farm and fisheries EU subsidies. Or EU offices in London, London being EU financial center, etc. How much money did that bring to UK???
Anyways. EU is playing nice because it still wants to have good neighborly relationship with the UK. Just wait until you deal with Trumpy! He's gonna tear an economic equivalent of 'a new one' to UK...
P.S. UK has at best has double the GDP of Australia and as I said: nobody cares! UK isn't really an important trading partner to Australia. Hardly gonna be able to dictate terms to Australia, especially if UK tries to step on USA or Chinese toes for it's own benefit!
Good luck with your glorious future imagination and nuclear deterrent!
