A list of failings
I note with regret but little surprise that T Gardiner is still unwilling to accept facts but asks me to give even more time to appreciate the benefits of Brexit, rather like Einstein’s definition of insanity as doing the same thing over and over again in the hope of achieving a different result.
I will gladly submit further observations in another six months when, among others, the views of parents who are unable to get wanted Christmas presents for their children are known, given the warning from trade bodies to buy these now as there will be severe shortages by the end of the year. Mr Gardiner makes much of the record economic growth this year, conveniently forgetting that this is simply a partial recovery from the disastrous performance previously and ignoring the predictions of economic decline from a growing number of industrial sectors all of whom blame it firmly on Brexit. Mr Gardiner claims that the lack of HGV drivers is world-wide and nothing to do with Brexit. It is not. Goods are travelling around the EU as freely as before despite the effects of Covid. We, however, have been experiencing a growing shortfall of not only HGV drivers but also seasonal farm workers, hospitality staff and care workers ever since the decision was made to end freedom of movement.
This is not helped by the recent but not unique example of the
Polish HGV driver who wanted to work here, applied for and was issued with the paperwork for settled status application, but was instead stopped as he flew into this country, detained and then deported by an officer who did not understand the regulations and whose case cannot now be rectified as this would admit a failing in the system. Another testimony to the total inability on the part of this government to prepare for what they had years to do.
Mr Gardiner also claims that 70 per cent of the public support Brexit. No. This is the number who accept that it is a done deal, leaving nearly a third who do not. The true figure is of a country still deeply divided on much the same proportions as the actual referendum vote.
David S Crichton Sickle Way, Waterlooville
Goods are travelling around the EU as freely as before despite the effects of Covid DS CRICHTON