Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal an ‘absolute swindle’ from beginning to end

Sir, – Boris’s Brexit deal has been a con for Scotland but the protocol has helped Northern Ireland.

Both voted to remain in the EU.

Boris signed the Brexit deal so got it done, but has since found out the DUP does not like it so it is enabling him to have a trade war with the EU.

Northern Ireland is the poorest region in the UK and the DUP are claiming shoppers there have to pay more.

Research from Stormont’s own economy department suggests the total grocery cost is 8% lower than the rest of the UK.

By keeping Northern Ireland in the EU single market, the protocol gives it a distinct trading advantage which has attracted significant international interest. Local business leaders have been making the protocol work for them, in fact is it is mitigating the worst of Brexit.

The DUP is clearly floundering and in a state of panic.

Historically, British governments have protected unionism and disempowered nationalism but recent elections have changed that. The DUP now watch as Boris waves a card to threaten the EU knowing he will only do that if it suits him.

The Irish Government has stated the relationship with the UK is at breaking point. The EU will not abandon its commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and, more importantly, neither will the USA.

As far as Scotland is concerned Brexit has caused a reduction in economic growth, a 56% drop in EU students coming to study in Scotland, and a £2 billion drop in food and drink exports to the EU.

Worst hit are seafood exports with a 52% drop, whisky exports to the EU are in decline and nearly 30% of business leaders are considering moving Europe’s operations out of the country.

New financial platforms have opened in Paris and Amsterdam and are unlikely to return.

The DUP’s incoherent Trumpian ramblings have caused Boris to state his Brexit deal, the one he got done and signed, has real problems so must be fixed.

The EU states their inflexibility on the Northern Ireland Protocol is fuelling unrest, which is completely and utterly incorrect.

Boris is about to break international law if he does abandon the protocol.

Brexit has been an absolute swindle from the beginning to the end led by Boris Johnson, a man you cannot trust, and his Brexit bucket has not just one but many holes in it.

It reminds me of the Harry Belafonte song from the 1950s – “dear Lisa there is a hole in the bucket”, which cannot be fixed no matter what you say.

Sorry Boris – this mess is the one you made and signed.

Ian Wallace.

Chapman Drive,

Carnoustie.