The treats to the EU are certainly present, as are the benefits. Britain's exit was very much  brought about by a campaign of misinformation as can be expected from those in other countries who seek to break the union. Self preservation of the EU does I think require a difficult entry and exit policy: to characterize that as spiteful I don't think is fair. I have great sympathy for all involved in this tragic divorce. Ms. May has promised an open border in Ireland which to my mind is akin to promising weightless anchors. There is no control on entry to the UK unless the border is controlled, just as there is no anchor without weight. When that border goes up, Northern Ireland may well join Scotland in seeking to split from the UK in favour of the EU. What a tragedy!