Why we must look well beyond the EU for trade
DAN Jones, in asking what did we do to deserve the present Government, appears to mockingly compare the fruits of the Brexit vote with a medieval fear of divine retribution for sin [“Save us from this Government of anti-EU cranks”, Comment, March 17].
A better way of looking at it might be to see the EU referendum result as the people accepting responsibility and making amends for their past mistakes. With the benefit of hindsight we can see that the EU project was always doomed to fail, insofar as it was intended to develop from a trading bloc to a federal superstate of many diverse nations.
Even when we first joined in the Seventies we knew it meant betraying our Commonwealth partners who had so loyally stood by us in the darkest days of war.
We should not turn our backs on Europe even though it seems to be in long-term economic decline but we should embrace the freedom and opportunities that being outside the EU will bring.
IT WAS astonishing to hear Brexit minister David Davis admit that the Government has yet to make an economic assessment of Britain leaving the European Union without a proper deal. It is critical that Brexit gets the full approval of Parliament as well as the assemblies of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Last week, while giving evidence before the Commons Brexit Select Committee for the first time, Davis said the “broad outline” of the UK’s objectives for Brexit were known but that the fine detail had to be filled in.
At this stage, it will be like starting talks with one armed tied behind his back. Negotiating strategies and serious contingency planning should have been in place already. Otherwise, it will be a grave dereliction of duty by the Government for not doing so. We have to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
WE NEED to be clear about Brexit — it was essential that the UK began a breakaway from the European
Union, a money-wasting disaster that works contrary to sound economic principles.
The EU would never mend its profligate ways and I am convinced that staying in it would have condemned future generations to financial ruin. I strongly suspect that other countries will follow our lead in leaving.
Furthermore, I am positive that the trade deal we agree on will be sufficient. We import from the EU much more than we export and EU nations would be cutting off their noses to spite their faces if they penalise the UK in trade negotiations. Surely even they wouldn’t do that?