Its all now about getting the best deal from the EU. The tougher we talk now, maybe, they hope, the easier will be the negotiations after Article 50 is triggered. Also, if it looks like we're over the moon with the Brexit result and can't wait to get out to be able to grow our newly unfettered economy, it might strengthen the hands of the other really (or ostensibly) Euro-sceptic governments and oppositions - this weakens the unanimity of the EU negotiating position.
Of course, the better the post-Brexit trade deal we get, the more it encourages others to leave, so the higher the stakes for the EU, so they have no choice but to dig in and fight us every inch (centimetre) of the way.
Tough talk and uncertainty will cause businesses to leave. As we've seen last week markets response to Conservative party conference.
Businesses may already start to wonder what they are doing in London or the UK with an already high or increasing cost base with falling asset valuations in London. DB is already doing this. Japan has written a letter. Others building contingency plans asking for an extension period for adjustment so they can implement them.
Why bother with the uncertainty, just move now and reduce costs and cut risks. Once they realise advantages to being in EU they'll wonder what they were doing in London and the UK.
This is Boris's vision, we can get a better deal from the EU! Really?
We don't need the EU! Ok...
We can do better without the EU! Ok...
Merkel will not even engage in pre-article 50 discussions so how far you'll get with this kind of amateur approach remains to be seen. Difficult woman Theresa May indeed, but EU don't see it that way.
Right now EU is seeing opportunities from UK departure. I see UK playing into EU hands not negotiating anything.
I guess it depends on your perspective as to whether EU is weak and GDP and growth is faltering or not. Time will tell as all lies will come home to roost.
Theresa May started off well but is in danger of entering a quagmire of political sewage. Moreover, invoking article 50 just before majore EU elections, how much quality time does the UK expect?
All going horribly wrong imo.