As I reflect on my years of experience, having had the fun
and trials of a non-materialistic rich and rewarding career, which has included that of a global
supply chain manager as well as having lectured to post-graduates on
international trade theory, I observe with despair the insanity of leadership
in USA and UK. Whatever is happening in USA, the ‘land of the free’, that is
propagating a disease of division, my prime concern is UK. The vote in favour
of Brexit was marginally in favour of exit from EU, which leaves a considerable
number of people opposed, more-so in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Moreover,
the vote was based upon rhetoric, misinformation and speculation – is that
democracy?
Our current Prime Minister wants to unite the country, yet steadfastly
ignores the requests of a Scottish Government and the many Europeans who
support many UK businesses and institutions in terms of their skills and
labour. She ignores the fact that both World Wars emerged from nationalism. She
ignores the statistics from the World Trade Organisation revealing the
dependency of the UK upon the EU for trade and far lesser so on the USA, which
is instituting its own nationalist trade policies and thus makes trade with USA
an issue. She ignores the views of Michael Heseltine and John Major, who are
both well regarded Conservatives. This is an aside from the apparent public
failure of our Prime Minister to defend GCHQ from the accusations of the
President of the USA and sets aside the protocol for a State Visit of Donald
Trump.
Our Prime Minister clearly views herself as an expert in
international trade etc., so with confidence takes us into a new era which,
despite its unknowns (e.g. trade regulations, employment status, medical
rights) proclaims a bright future. On what basis is this valid – WHERE is the
evidence?
Is there anything positive about Brexit? Instead of uniting
the UK, there is the potential of breakup, not only within the population due
to increasing racism and distrust, but also of the move of Scotland to leave
the UK. Further, division satisfies nationalistic and racist aspirations. Moreover,
division creates barriers not only to trade, but the free movement of our young
around the EU, to explore, understand and work. Travel and mixing with others
from other cultures builds a tolerant society. We are all human beings with our
own set of values. But, unless we mix, then the danger is that we view our
values in such a way that dismisses the values of others. Mixing with others
from other nationalities encourages communication, exchange and understanding,
but more importantly, PEACE, not war
The reports from business, Government agencies and the EU,
is that whilst the UK may get Sovereignty, it will be at a cost that preserves
the continuity of austerity and the divide that now characterises the UK. And
then what? The exchange rate, unemployment, disposable income and then - civil
reaction - on the streets?
The Conservative Party stated in their 2015 Manifesto:
With the Conservatives, Britain
will be the best place in Europe to innovate, patent new ideas and set up and
expand a business. We aim to be number one in Europe and in the top five
worldwide in the World Bank’s Doing Business rankings by 2020 and to lead
Europe in attracting foreign investment.
This raises the question of how one can trust a political
party that does a 100% U-turn within two years.
I have no confidence in our Prime minister and her
Government to act in the interests of the UK rather than interests that can be
construed as preserving their ‘popular’ appeal… of what demographic
profile? This is counter to the wisdom
of the eminent Sir Winston Churchill who stated that our elected voices have
the responsibility of looking after the welfare of our nation first and before
the views of the populous. To
leave EU is the action of a child who spites itself to its detriment. Unless
the pro-Brexit parties can provide sound evidence (not rhetoric) of the wisdom
of leaving the EU then these parties (e.g. Conservatives, Labour) should be
rejected in the oncoming General Election for the future well-being of the UK.
No comments:
Post a Comment