I know where you are coming from here but it doesn't change the fact that we are an important economy on their doorstep just as they are to us. I'm not for exceptionalism but pure facts say the UK's role isn't like that of, say, Turkey.

Chris, with very low wages, and very high bills, most people in the UK are really, really struggling. It's not a lively economy, it's grim. Most parts of Europe are far richer, with better opportunities. Wages in the north are the same as Greece, but they have better weather and food...😬

I really think you are suffering from a bit of exceptionalism here, sorry. Turkey *is* an important economy on the EU’s doorstep. So is the UK. There are things about the UK that are unique. There are things about Turkey that are unique. Turkey probably occupies more headspace in Brussels.