First farmers, now fishermen: how the Government sold out to Europe
sir – In 1984, Margaret Thatcher negotiated a rebate from the European Economic Community in exchange for the price that we, the farmers, had to pay for the disbanding of the Milk Marketing Board, which the EEC classed as a monopoly.
As a result, the price of milk went into freefall. Today, milk producers with small herds are leaving the industry in droves. Instead, there are herds of up to 1,000 head.
I was therefore shocked to learn that the Government has agreed to allow Continental fishermen to continue to harvest our waters until 2020 (Letters, March 21). This is a fundamental betrayal of our fishermen, following in the wake of the blow that was dealt to our milk-producing industry. Robert Jalland
Upper Broughton, Leicestershire
sir – It looks as if Britain’s fishing industry is to be subject to Eudetermined quotas until December 2020. However, had there been a different result in the Brexit referendum, we would have been subject to those quotas ad infinitum.
No one was claiming that this would mean the end of British fishing, so why are they doing so now, when a relatively short transition period is to be enacted? Peter Preston
Ivybridge, Devon
sir – We must not lose sight of the bonanza of Brexit – unleashing Britain’s potential to trade in rapidly growing markets around the globe. Moreover, leaving the EU will energise the country to become more competitive and will exert downward pressure on costs, taxes and regulation.
The proposed transition agreement enabling Britain to negotiate, sign and ratify free-trade deals while remaining a member of the single market will be hugely beneficial for business and investment. A further 21 months of free movement, EU budget contributions and application of the Common Fisheries Policy is a small short-term price worth paying for more trade, higher growth, greater long-term prosperity and full, indefinite British control of borders, laws, money and agricultural policy after December 2020. Philip Duly
Haslemere, Surrey
sir – The main problem with the Brexit negotiations is that they are being conducted solely by politicians, whose main objective is to secure what they consider to be a good political solution.
However, Britain and the EU have entirely different political aspirations. Far more important is a commercial agreement, which should be positive for both sides. To this end, the Government should ask businessmen like Sir James Dyson and Tim Martin to take leading roles in discussions. We would surely then have some straight-talking, strong leadership that would stand up to the EU’S chief negotiator, Michel Barnier. Graham Francis
Fetcham, Surrey