The title of todays blog could be seen as the equivalent of a newspaper headline, in fact it is not from a newspaper although it is almost word for word, the title of a report from the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament. Their report which is located here goes on to state:

“Overseeing the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union is one of the biggest challenges that has faced any government. The cost to the UK of leaving remains uncertain because it depends on future events, such as the UK’s economic growth. There is a risk that the amount the UK actually pays will fall outside the narrow range estimated by the Treasury of £35 billion to £39 billion. The Treasury’s estimate does not include at least £10 billion of costs to the government on leaving the European Union associated with the settlement deal, including nearly £3 billion of contributions towards the European Development Fund. It also does not include potentially significant costs associated with the UK’s future relationship with the EU. The taxpayer could continue to make payments for years to come.”

As Theresa and her chums prepare for tonight’s sleep over at Chequers and the nation is left waiting in anticipation to see if a diamond or any gold will emerge from their political mining, it is possible that what we end up with will ensure that our nation continues to be seen as a classic example of how first world nations can aim for third world successes.

A final piece of information from the PAC is: “There is much talk of an EU dividend but our work has highlighted a number of as yet uncertain costs. Any dividend will be hard to calculate and, if it materialises, is some years away.”