What they're saying is that we must agree on the divorce terms first - one of which is that we must pay £50bn.  After we've handed over the cash as they demand, only then will they begin to talk about a trade deal, including any benefits we might get from our relationship.  The massive lump of cash is not related to any ongoing relationship in any way, and we get no promises and nothing at all back for it - it's purely a leaving fee.  In fact, if we want any single-market-like deal they'll probably demand an annual membership fee on top.  It's just pay now, talk later.

I suspect that the real reason they want £50bn off us is because they know that they're going to have a big black hole in their budget after we stop paying £13bn a year.  It will keep them going for a few more years without us.  But, as far as I can see, there's no logical reason for us to pay anything.

If we were a net beneficiary of the EU instead of a contributor, do you think they'd be as keen to pay us the equivalent of a few years' contributions?  No way, in fact they'd have probably cancelled the standing order on Wednesday.

£50bn works out as £1200 per working age adult in the UK.  Perhaps the UK government should tell the EU to bill everyone in the UK for their leaving fee, see how many write the cheque they think they deserve.  I know I wouldn't.