I read both of the linked articles. Didn't come across anything new. It's the same old same old: that is, the UK's economic analysis -- an EU country that really isn't an EU country. The Brits, bless their hearts, (I really do like the Brits), are always willing to give free advice to countries that don't need or want it. A good example outside the UK's sphere of immediate influence is Argentina. The Buenos Aires Herald, an English language daily, parrots mid 20th Century economic ideas on how Argentina should manage its affairs, which basically comes across as just "If the Argentines would only let us show them the way, let us lead, they would be better off." Such arrogance is not new. But it's common. Sit down with any clot of Brits living as expats in Argentina and they always get around to discussing how Argentines and Argentina's economic struggles are "the white mans' burden." Of course, Argentines and Argentina are hardly so sad and not in need of the UK's "charity." However, the UK could get the Hell out of the Malvinas.
In my humble opinion, the best thing ANY country in ANY part of the world can do is close their borders to the IMF and IMF representatives to keep them out. The IMF's track record since WWII shows that every country it "helps" is in worse shape 20 years later once those countries have drank billions and billions of IMF loans. (OK, not ALL countries that have received IMF loans, but without checking I would venture that the majority of countries that have received IMF loans are worse off. I know, I know . . . check before making such rash generalities. But having lived and traveled in many "IMF helped" countries --- well. . . .) The IMF only helps itself.
Kicking Greece out of the EU? Not likely. One of the most difficult pills the EU has yet to swallow is to understand that, as a Union, states need to help states to maintain political and economic stability -- not just through the boom times, but also the bust. This is difficult for European countries -- especially for the UK -- that still think they would be better off separate and isolated. However, to be fair, in the case of the UK it probably would be better off separate and alone from Europe, (until their economy begins to spiral and the artifically supported "Sterling" is almost equal to a US Dollar).
I do have at least one positive observation about the UK (other than I like Brits) and that is Gordon Brown, the current Prime Minister, doesn't prance and drool as if it were Bush Junior's poodle. :smile: