What could the institutions of the European Union have done to so thoroughly distress and disgust the good folk of Britain that they called for the divorce lawyers? 

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“Wait till the EU hears what we have to say about grouts. They’ll soon change their minds …”

The beginning of Brexit?

Wondering how we got into this fine old mess? What could the institutions of the European Union have done to so thoroughly distress and disgust the good folk of Britain that they called for the divorce lawyers? 

Ten years ago, this very publication reported what could well have been the first major fault line in UK/EU relations. In February 1999, it revealed that: “A European move to ban the use of tunnelling and formation grouts has been met with a chorus of protest from UK contractors and consultants.”

The move was designed to improve water quality, but Construction Industry Council chief executive Graham Watts expostulated: “In this case, green can sometimes be an excuse for utter nonsense.” 

Not taking such egregious Continental oppression lying down, Blighty’s construction greats moved swiftly. Building reassured readers: “Construction Confederation president Sir Martin Laing and chairman Alan Crane will head a delegation going to Brussels next week to lobby against the proposals.”

Sorting out a row with the EU by having a talk about it? Good luck with that. 

Click here to read the full article from 12 February 1999

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