The survey of 1000 businesses by the British Chamber of Commerce on the impact of Brexit makes grim reading.
It shows the Conservative Government’s “oven-ready” trade deal has been anything but.
Only one in eight firms said Boris Johnson’s deal was helping them.
That’s a lot of businesses, workers and families adversely affected by the chaotic nature of our departure from the EU.
Dr Philippa Whitford is right to describe the Tory Brexit as “an unmitigated disaster”.
The fishing processors, road hauliers, building contractors and care home managers are all in the same position – starved of staff and materials, and facing a baffling amounts of paperwork, permits, waivers and tailback if they want to move anything in or out of the country.
It could have been different. The Brexit referendum was a historic mistake but the result had to be respected.
However, there was no need for the hard-right Tory Brexit that Johnson foisted on the country.
Staying in the Single Market, at the very least, would have lessened the barriers now faced by UK businesses and reduced the monthly losses the economy is feeling.
For almost two years, the Covid pandemic and lockdown have disguised the true effect of the Brexit barriers.
It’s only now, with the economy starting to move again, that the toll on business is becoming apparent.
No free market trade deal is going to compensate for the loss of full access to the EU market or the damage it has done to UK business.
There was never going to be a good Brexit but it could have been so much better.
This Tory Brexit has been anything but oven ready – it has been a dog’s dinner.
Learn from tragedy
Adam Pattinson was on his daily bike ride when he was killed by a motorist dangerously overtaking other vehicles.
Justice took its course when driver Thomas Smith was sent to jail yesterday for two years.
But the impact of this tragedy means Adam’s loved ones face a life sentence.
Claire Pattinson’s statement on behalf of her family following the outcome in court is heartbreaking.
She eloquently tells how her son Fraser will grow up without knowing his “devoted Daddy”. And she speaks of her own “devastating pain and heartbreak of losing my wonderful husband”.
Claire hopes drivers will take heed of Adam’s story when considering any risky manoeuvre.
Her family’s terrible loss show the potential consequences of dangerous driving.
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