We need chance to end this nonsense
When we think back to the likes of great Speakers such as Betty Boothroyd, Bernard Weatherill and George Thomas – who each commanded such respect – this pompous little man is not fit to be spoken of in the same breath
COUNCILLOR Bert Proctor (Sentinel Letters, December 8) is falling into the trap that many supporters of leaving the EU have also fallen into.
That is believing the lie that was promoted at the time of the EU referendum that Brexit would be easy, straightforward with only benefits and no downside.
Those promoting that point of view knew it was a lie at the time, because they have never produced any plan of their own.
What has turned out to be the case is that after more than four decades of integrated economies, withdrawal from the EU is going to make us all poorer and with far fewer prospects for trade and travel than our friends and colleagues in Europe.
Unfortunately, Cllr Proctor fails to understand the huge complexity involved in leaving the EU and the consequences of the position he takes.
It was also clear that at the time of the referendum that the true costs were concealed. When they weren’t the coordinated cry of the Brexit fantasists was “project fear” – indeed we have started to hear that cry again.
We see now that a few failed politicians claim to have far more knowledge of the impact of Brexit on the automotive industry, tourism, agriculture, financial services and pharmaceutical industries than the people that have successfully run those industries for many years.
There is no “project fear” – decimation of those industries is highly likely with the consequential job losses and loss of tax revenue.
I assume that Cllr Proctor, with his cavalier remarks, is all in favour of reducing our GDP by between three and nine per cent – approaching the level that caused the collapse of the Greek economy after 2009.
He castigates our MPS for not behaving as delegates mandated by an electorate. An electorate who were told that their precarious economic position – where the policy of austerity has left them without control over their lives, financially poorer than they were a decade ago and without a sense of hope for the future – was down to the European Union.
Is he seriously suggesting that the lie that was sold to people in deprived areas, such as Stoke North and Stoke Central has any credence whatsover?
No, MPS are not delegates. They are supposed to act in the best interests of their constituents – that includes improving their lives but definitely not making them even poorer. If Brexit was to be a reality, then whatever was negotiated should not be the mandate of the 37 per cent of the population who voted leave in 2016. It also has to reflect the 35 per cent of the population who voted to remain in the EU.
From the point when Theresa May became Prime Minister she ignored the remain group, failed to engage with the opposition and spent her time negotiating with the Brexit fantasists led by Jacob Reesmogg.
She appointed David Davis as Minister for Exiting the EU, who appeared to contradict his earlier assurances to Parliament about sectoral economic analyses that did not exist, and attended only eight hours of discussion with the EU during his tenure.
He was replaced by Dominic Raab who negotiated a deal with the EU then promptly resigned because he didn’t like what he had just negotiated.
You would have to go a long way to match such utter incompetence, but this has been the hallmark of Mrs May’s leadership.
So Cllr Proctor, be very careful what you wish for, because the tide is turning and the only way forward is another referendum where we have the opportunity to put the utter nonsense of the last two-and-a-half years well and truly behind us. LIONEL BURCH HARRISEAHEAD
“
”