Economic blindness is now the norm

WE live in strange times. For the first time in history we have a nation intent on negotiating a trade deal that is (much) worse than the one it already holds.

Whatever the outcome it will be one that considerably impoverishes the UK.

The irony is of course that many areas of the UK, Wales included, voted for something that will really damage the economic welfare of themselves, their children and indeed their grandchildren, for years to come.

Gove has stated that the UK would be prepared to walk away from negotiations with the EU, rather than sign a deal that would damage the economic interests of the UK.

That ship sailed long ago, I’m afraid. Damage there has been and damage there will be.

David Frost, the new lead trade negotiator, in his recent speech, displayed an incredible level of naivety, indeed ignorance, on how the modern international economy works.

To believe in the modern world that states have complete freedom to do what the heck they want as far as trade is concerned is complete and utter nonsense.

A speech of pure economic illogical bluster.

This economic blindness, though, has become the norm.

I have always found it strange that those who believe in the efficacy of the market wanted out of the single market.

This was an initiative essentially made in Britain by Thatcher and co and delivered one of the most important supply-side shocks to the UK economy.

Strange times indeed.

Dr Robert Morgan Efail Isaf