May must make most of Brexit

Blair migration plan is too late

TONY BLAIR appears, once again, to be in total denial about his own policy failings as he concocts a new policy on EU migration in his latest attempt to thwart Brexit.

If the checks and restrictions now being proposed had actually been implemented by Mr Blair when he was prime minister, recent British political history might have followed a different course.

After all, this country chose to reject the overtures of staunch Europhiles like the ex-Labour leader because the EU’s open borders was changing the dynamics of local communities and putting public services, like the NHS, schools and housing, under unsustainable pressure.

Though there are genuine concerns that the Brexit strategy being pursued by Theresa May will leave Britain facing a skills shortfall, the onus is on the Government to ensure that the economy can withstand the political upheavals that will come as the likes of Mr Blair attempt to overturn the 2016 referendum result on EU membership.

Today’s report by Homes for the North, an alliance of the 19 largest housing associations across the north of England, offers a timely chance for Mrs May to build some stronger policy foundations.

Given how the current housing shortage has been exacerbated by the policies pursued by the Blair government, it’s now estimated that 500,000 homes need to be built across the North over the next decade to keep pace with demand.

If, as this collective suggests, the Government plays its part in releasing publicly-owned land for development where appropriate, it might halt the number of skilled workers who leave this region each year to pursue their careers in London and elsewhere.

Rather than allowing the agenda to be dominated by Brexit’s rival Remain and Leave factions, it could be far more beneficial to the country – and Mrs May’s own survival prospects - if there was a greater focus on the opportunities if the economy became less London-centric in time. Over to you, Prime Minister.