Steve we have a balance of payments deficit with the EU and have had for years.Any punishment the fools try and impose on the UK will hurt them far more.The value of the trade deficit was about £60 billion in the 12 months to September 2016. The UK imported £302 billion worth of goods and services from the EU, and exported £242 billion worth, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The EU behave as though they hold all the cards, perhaps they need reminding of the worth of a busted flush!