Let’s set the record straight on the cause of our economic woes and inability to control immigration, writes Robert Gildea. Plus a letter from Rachel Foggitt
Better late than never, Jonathan Freedland (Rachel Reeves is studiously ignoring the cause of Britain’s woes: the Brexit-shaped hole in the roof, 21 November). Brexit was supposed to “take back control” and sort out the immigration crisis. In both respects, it failed. Polish plumbers have been replaced by Afghans in asylum hotels, and the UK has forfeited the mechanism to return them to the EU. Meanwhile, with trade, investment and labour choked off, the economy grinds along at the bottom.
The Labour government is petrified of reopening the debate for fear of losing votes to Reform UK, but responsibility for Brexit failures needs to be laid squarely at Nigel Farage’s door. Through its 2024 pact on migration and asylum, the EU has a robust, collective way of dealing with migration; on our own, we are as likely to stop the boats as Canute was to turn back the waves. A recent poll showed that 57% of voters would return to the EU.
Continue reading…Let’s set the record straight on the cause of our economic woes and inability to control immigration, writes Robert Gildea. Plus a letter from Rachel FoggittBetter late than never, Jonathan Freedland (Rachel Reeves is studiously ignoring the cause of Britain’s woes: the Brexit-shaped hole in the roof, 21 November). Brexit was supposed to “take back control” and sort out the immigration crisis. In both respects, it failed. Polish plumbers have been replaced by Afghans in asylum hotels, and the UK has forfeited the mechanism to return them to the EU. Meanwhile, with trade, investment and labour choked off, the economy grinds along at the bottom.The Labour government is petrified of reopening the debate for fear of losing votes to Reform UK, but responsibility for Brexit failures needs to be laid squarely at Nigel Farage’s door. Through its 2024 pact on migration and asylum, the EU has a robust, collective way of dealing with migration; on our own, we are as likely to stop the boats as Canute was to turn back the waves. A recent poll showed that 57% of voters would return to the EU. Continue reading…
