United Kingdom: Eurostar CEO Jacques Damas letter to Chair of the Transport Select Committee Huw Merriman (26.09.2022)

Opinion: A biscotti is causing a lot damage

small, hard Italian biscuits containing almonds (= a type of nut)” (Cambridge Dictionary – ‘Biscotti’).

Just mere days in the stint of Prime Minister Liz Truss. Her appointed Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has proposed a “mini-budget” or a biscotti of sorts. That little treat for the 1% and the big-business is hurting the trust in the system. The manner of which the new cabinet and the newly appointed cabinet secretaries are revealing new financial policies are hurting it.

Truss and Kwarteng was supposed to bring confidence back. They was supposed to be there and steady the ship. Instead they are sinking it and doing it fast. It has possibly ensured a new rising inflation and lack of trust in the financial policies of the state. The Chancellor only needed about three weeks in office to wreck it.

The little treat of tax-cuts to the wealthy and a proposed “growth plan”. Only follows 12 years of austerity and other measures, which haven’t created a better economy. The United Kingdom is already hit hard by the global pandemic and the downturn of the Brexit.

It doesn’t help that the Bank of England is talking of Emergency Measures and acts in defiance of the Chancellor. Those things just shows how dire the financial policies are. Truss appointed Kwarteng and his surely not oozing confidence. There is already letters of “No Confidence” sent to the 1922 Committee. It didn’t take long before the knives was out.

This sort of commentary piece says it all about what they are doing: “The chancellor has put his tax changes at the heart of his plans to boost growth. As previous Institute work has highlighted, the tax system has many flaws which act as a block to growth. Kwarteng promised to deliver ‘tax reforms’ to improve the supply side of the economy, but what he announced so far was disappointing for those hoping he might look to grasp the nettle and tackle longstanding tax problems. His version of tax reform is a series of cuts to headline rates that leave the structure of the system – and therefore any existing flaws – in place. He announced cuts to income tax, national insurance and corporation tax, but apart from small changes to capital allowances there was little that would constitute ‘reform’. The evidence suggests that cuts to headline rates alone are unlikely to drive big increases in growth, especially in the current environment where the Bank of England is raising interest rates, and they will certainly not pay for themselves. Kwarteng would do better by addressing longstanding distortions in the tax system, for example the bias towards self-employment and against employees. Changes like this would not need to cost nearly as much as the tax cuts announced and yet could be more effective at delivering growth” (Thomas Pope – ‘Kwasi Kwarteng’s new era of economic policy is a major gamble’ 23.09.2022, Institute for Government).

The commentary puts the weight where it matters. Tax-cuts takes away revenue for the government. Yes, the ones getting the tax-cuts gets to pay less taxes, but nothing is saying that these funds get used for creating new businesses or develop society. Instead, these funds gets taken out of the budgets and out of public revenue. Meaning the government gets poorer and cannot carry the government expenditure. Especially, when the Chancellor only wants to give tax-cuts, but has no direct plan of finding new revenue, because there is possibly deficit with these sorts of tax-cuts.

This is giving the wealthy and the rich a hand. While the nation is furthering into an energy, financial and rising inflation. The United Kingdom isn’t a prosperous nation at this very moment. Instead, it is a nation hurting of the choices of the Tory government for 12 years.

The era of Liz Truss has just started, an a biscotti is destroying it. The Truss cabinet don’t even get an ease or an easy period. Usually, there would be relief and given time after a disastrous reign under Boris Johnson. They have done within no time to destroy the government bonds and the value of the Pound Sterling. These two didn’t even need a whole month or a year. No, they just needed about three weeks and that’s it.

Now people are not only expecting a recession, but a total implosion. The financial markets most valuable asset is trust. Trust and confidence is always needed… right now the Chancellor and Prime Minister is causing more harm. Apparently, the uncapped bankers’ bonuses wasn’t the silver bullet to change the economy, but instead drain it. The same is with the tax-cuts. All of these is only serving one purpose, enriching the rich and given them a handout. However, it isn’t helping the economy and the Chancellor should know this.

That’s why the Pound Stirling is diving. The cost of living will rise even more. The inflation and the recession is now upon the nation. That’s because of how the Tories has handled it all over the years. Not only the last appointees and under PM Truss. No, this is a long time coming with help of Cameron, May and Johnson too. All of them has given way to this, but only the latest comrades who has crashed it totally.

The Chancellor and Prime Minister should reflect on the biscotti. That little treat can be their downfall. The little biscuit can destroy them and be their grand finale. Just because they dared and did so.

Not the wisest move, but what they did anyway. Peace.

United Kingdom: Ian Blackford MP letter to Prime Minister Liz Truss (24.09.2022)

Opinion: The Truss cabinet is filled with the ERG

The European Research Group (ERG) is a group within the Parliamentary Conservative Party that provides research and co-ordinates activity – such as public letters on Brexit and informal organisation – for eurosceptic Conservative MPs. Mark Francois took over as chair in February 2020. Previous chairs include Jacob Rees-Mogg, Steve Baker and Suella Braverman” (UkandEU.ac.uk – ‘What is the European Research Group (ERG)?’, 21.09.2022).

The ERG who was vital part of the hard-Brexit and the ones pushing for a hardline Brexit in consideration to the Brexit. Now has a vital voice in the cabinet of Liz Truss. She has already appointed three former ERG Chairman, which happens to be Suella Braverman, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Chris Heaton-Harris. Truss has also appointed members of ERG like James Cleverly, Therese Coffey, Brandon Lewis, Kit Malthouse and Penny Mordaunt.

One of them is the Secretary of State to Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris. He will have a say and possible continue the defeating arch of revising the Northern Ireland Protocol. Truss is putting a lot of power into the ERG. If you thought this was bad. It is becoming more worse than this…

The other one is Jacod Rees-Mogg has become the Secretary for State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. After seeing the display and contempt of everything this man have done over the years. Rees-Mogg is surely lucky to be entitled to have yet another ministerial post.

The third is Penny Mordaunt been appointed to the Lord President of the Council and the Leader of the Commons. She will surely have leverage and have power. Not like the Chief whip, but it’s saying something when an ERG get this position too.

The fourth is Brandon Lewis who was appointed to the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. That’s a powerful office and he could certainly sway legislation here. This is most certainly a win for the ERG.

The fifth appointment is Suella Braverman who is appointed to the Secretary of State of the Home Department. This will have a lot of say in regard to migration, refugees and the border control. She will take off where Priti Patel left off. In the mirror of ERG. We know it won’t be anything better.

The sixth appointment is James Cleverly will be the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. We are seeing the ERG is getting vital positions and this is another one.

The ERG has the Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Northern Ireland. That is ensuring their will in this Cabinet. Truss has secured and given lots of power to the ERG. In such a manner, that the way legislation and policies will be written. Will be in the hardline and anti-Europe spirit.

This is without looking at all the other re-appointments and other well-known figures, which has circulated over the years the Tories has been in power. That was to be expected, plus a few not accepting a new office. Since they will not serve under others than Boris Johnson. Because, Boris is the epitome of leadership…

Well, Truss are now proving that she will not fight for remain or return to membership in the European Union. That is very obvious with the appointments sine last night. Her cabinet is a bastion of ERG.

So, expect the Eurosceptics to have a huge say and will ensure their ideals will reign supreme. Not that’s it shocking, but it’s certainly saying a lot by doing this. We will know if she appoints more. However, when there is already so many of them as a part of the cabinet. We can just know what sort of days that is ahead. There will be continued red-herrings and further bureaucracy, which will harm industry, movement and whatever, which was some of the benefits of being part of the European Common Market or Shengen. Peace.

Opinion: Truss can swiftly turn into the albatross

Today it’s official that there is new leader of the Conservative Party (Tories) and a Prime Minister. She happens to be the Member of Parliament of Norfolk since 2010, Elizabeth Truss. Truss inherits a shackled state of affairs, economic hardships and rising inflation. As the PM she has to steer the internal conniving within the party and outside pressure as well.

Truss is inheriting a state of friction. Years of mismanagement and bloated arrogance. The Tories have run on austerity for the welfare programs and the NHS. While giving tax-levies to the wealthy. The Tories have run on prestigious campaigns like Brexit, which has only worsened the financial distress of the Kingdom.

Truss is taking over right after the era of Boris Johnson. Just like Boris Johnson took over for Theresa May. Things are slowly reformed or backtracked. Truss has hurdles a head. The cost of living is rising. The inflation is costing and the affects of Brexit is hurting the nation. There are not only the downturn of the COVID-19 Lockdowns, but also the Brexit itself.

That’s why you know will struggle ahead… and Truss will not have many moments to change it. She has herself voted against climate change, welfare benefits and other positive changes for the future. Truss have always voted for reducing the tax rate on corporations. Liz has voted in favour of stronger enforcement of immigration rules and stricter asylum system. She has voted for the GPs so they can buy services on behalf of their services. Truss has also voted for the referendum on UK’s membership in the EU, also directly against the UK membership in the EU; in the same vein voted against EU Integration and voted against EU nationals rights to remain in the UK. I have found these voting patterns on TheyWorkForYou.com and you can find even more information there.

It is telling what sort of political belief she has, as she had the years from David Cameron (2010-2016), Theresa May (2016-2019) to Boris Johnson (2019-2022). Truss have been a minister and held various of offices since then. It is not like she’s rookie or a new person. She will continue where Boris left off. This isn’t a clean slate and expect well known faces to return to cabinet. There haven’t been a new election or primaries to change the composition of the Parliament. The Tory MPs remains the same and some will not show up. However, many will accept a new role under the leadership of Truss. Though they are as idle or as incompetent as they were under May or Johnson. That will not change overnight…

What is striking with the financial distress, cost of living crisis and energy shortage. The new PM is having issues from the on-set. That is just telling what sort of hectic mess Boris is leaving behind. The landscape is in ruins and the Tories has created this. Now a new Tory is supposed to fix it. However, she has still the same sort of people to align with. It isn’t like she has new faces or people with new energy. No, she has to revitalize the government and it’s policies with the same sort of supporting cabinet.

Truss is the 4th PM within 6 years. That is not a long time serve or to make a difference. To takeover from Johnson is just even more striking. The fallacies are endless. We don’t know how much his populism and elitism has destroyed over the years. Neither do we know, if Truss will continue his hardline and reckless behaviour in office. Truss has to be different, because she inherits a mess.

Truss isn’t getting the golden goose or the massive load of victories. No, Truss can become the albatross of the government. She can become the heavy weight and possibly the handicap of it. Instead of being a superior or a respected leader. She is the last one before a new round of snap elections. Since she knows that she more legitimacy and backing than what she has now.

Truss was able to conquer the internal battle to become PM. However, she haven’t won the hearts and the minds of the people. Neither has the Tories shown any redemption for their actions. No, they have just changed faces and the head of state.

If her history serves her right. We will see quick releases and backtracking them. Especially, if the policy backfires and doesn’t sound popular. Truss will have to dance on the knives edge and won’t have wiggle room. Yes, Boris was able to get away with things for far to long. Though I doubt she will have the same options or possibilities in office. They will quickly turn on her like they did with Theresa May.

This here will be a race and from now on… Truss cannot loose and if she does. There will be severe consequences. In such a manner, that she would regret even fighting for the office. No one wants to become an albatross, but Truss could suddenly find herself being one. Peace.

Opinion: The Tories are in shambles…

The debate yesterday between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak only shows how bad the things are in the Conservative Party. Yes, the party has been inept and out of bound towards the troubles it has created. The Tories are the party who has reigned the United Kingdom for over 10 years and still inevitably not able to fix anything substantial. Alas, that is the main issue here.

The two leaders, the Foreign Secretary and former Chancellor has experience. They have both been in office and served in the Her Majesties Government. Still, by every day they seem like a nightmare that one of them is taking over for Boris Johnson. Not that Boris set the bar high either. To the contrary he depleted it and abolished the bar completely. In such a manner that codes of conduct or the Nolan Principal was sort of erased.

As an outsider… I have no faith in either of them. They are not honest actors or leaders, which I could trust or see as fit. One of these two will become the Head of State by default. Just because the Tories currently hold the most seats in Parliament and won the last election. Not because any of these two fought for the voters or any significant cause. No, they just the most cunning within the ruling party.

There is nothing that looks sincere or real about it. They are both willing to act and say things in stark contrast to the enacted laws, the budgets they have passed and the total package of legislation, which they have vouched for over the years. So, when these speaks of the rising poverty, the rising inflation and the burden of ordinary people. Well, these two was part of the party that made things worse and haven’t sorted things out.

Instead these two are the likes that blames France for troubles for citizens and lorries with goods to cross to Calais from Dover. They wouldn’t take any responsibility for supporting or standing behind the Brexit agreement. Neither would they boldly say that the Brexit is the reason for a drastic downturn, which would have happen with or without COVID-19. The Ukraine conflict is just amplifying the financial burdens, but it was already bleak. That was something they both knew and cannot run away from.

So, when they are trying to outsmart and sound like they will fix things. Well, as long as they are honouring the Brexit. There will be little to no changes, but as a Third Country things will only get harder. The realities of lack of movement to Europe and blocking Europeans from direct short-term visits. Will only hurt more industries and make it less accessible. Why go to rainy London and have to apply in advance? When you can just go to sunny Barcelona or be in Rome. There is no need to feel the fog or try to get a Paddington teddy-bear then.

Therefore, the Tories are in a pickle. A pickle they have created for themselves and everyone has to live through. No matter who becomes the captain there is no easy way out. Especially, if the fatigue and the lack of trust continues. Not like the fellow aspirants oozes of that or shows any significant flair of sorts. No, they are just the run-of-the-mill careerist politicians. Who are willing to say anything to be elected and follow wherever the wind takes them.

It hasn’t been a soft journey since David Cameron resigned. From there it’s been hurricanes and earthquakes. Still, the party has moved from the messy Theresa May to the scandalous Boris Johnson. Whatever Truss or Sunak delivers. Well, they haven’t the need to do much to look better. However, they have no time to prove their qualities either. Because, things aren’t getting better, but instead worse. That’s all on their own making and with factors they couldn’t foresee.

Now, these two leaders has to prove for the electorate in the Tory party. That they are the person to bring it forward and continues the reign. Nevertheless, it just seems hopeless. These two will only show what is wrong with the party and why it got here. They will not solve anything or make it better. No, that’s only possible with a General Election and new Members of Parliament. Because, right now…

It is grim and these two aren’t it. I cannot see them achieving or making a difference. They will only serve the elite and their needs. While adding more burdens on the working class and their disadvantaged financial situation. Just like the Tories a moment ago allowed companies under industrial action to hire people while others are striking. Taking away the rights and helping the companies instead. That’s the sort of individuals we are speaking of here. The sort of gallivanting for the rich and speaking softly to the poor. This is what they do and I don’t get how the public got tricked by this.

These two will only show the sinister side of the Tories. Which has been on full display of late. They will not try to change or see any reasons too. These two will only continue the reckless legacies and the abysmal legislations. The ones that tearing people apart and leaving no hope for the future. While either blaming the victims of it or the EU. Peace.

United Kingdom: The possible ramifications of the recent election results

Not only has the Tories lost in Wales, Scotland and England. They have lost foothold in plenty of councils and lost enormous amount of councillors. This is also showing the growing sentiment both in Northern Ireland and in Scotland. That the affair of Brexit, the scandals and the poor governing skills of London is catching up with the rest of United Kingdom.

First of the election results in Northern Ireland, if Sinn Fein gets a mandate and if neutral Alliance Party supports it. The the “Ulster Province” could easily become a part of a United Ireland. The Northern Ireland as we know it could be swallowed and join the Irish Republic. Instead of being a sore thumb on the island and a relic of the colonial part of London there. The aims and mandates of Stormont may easily change after this one.

That would jeopardize the Good Friday Agreement and the Northern Ireland Protocol of Brexit. However, the sentiments are there and the Northern Irish would have it easier with trade, co-existence and be a part of the European Union. As Dublin and the Republic is already a Member State in the EU. Therefore, there is lots of benefits, which the United Kingdom is loosing out of and is failing upon it’s quest to sufficiently honour the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

Second the results of Scotland can open up another can worms for London. The Scottish could easily with the rising power of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Tories falling third. This is shattering and showing what sort of leadership the Scots are aiming for. The Tories failing here is making them less viable and they are not a choice there.

Because of the 2021 election to Holyrod, the SNP has already 46% of the Scottish Parliament and has a huge advantage. They are winning more councils and getting more councillors together with other opposition parties. That can clearly make the SNP more harden stance of ushering in a second Independence Referendum. This shouldn’t shock anyone, as the Scots did vote in the Brexit Referendum for “Remain”. Therefore, the fallout could be happening.

As well, as the Scots and their export industries has already been hit hard by the Brexit. They are seeing it harder possibly to stay united and especially when the Tories in London are such a contrast to the EU. With that in mind, it only makes sense that the Scots wants to try again to leave London, in such a way that they could get closer to Brussels and the Common Market.

On a side-note though, the Welsh has cemented itself as a Labour stronghold. The Tories has nothing there both in the Assembly and even lesser extent in the Local Councils. That is just furthering the outcome of a party that isn’t a for the British isles, but only for England. The Tories is soon only in England and ousted elsewhere. That got to sting, as the Scots, Welsh and only the English is still voting for them. They never had a party organization in Northern Ireland, but they have allies there. However, they are losing too now.

This is the possible ramifications of the elections. The people could ask for this and with the recent votes, the Assemblies in the States makes it possible. The First Ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland would all differ from London. That would strike a bitter tone and a distasteful chant in the way of the Tories. It won’t be smooth sailing for the Downing Street No. 10. His party is trailing and losing ground….

Prime Minister Johnson and his reign has eradicated the party from all around. The arrogance and entitlement is catching up. Now, the possible costs of Brexit might come closer to home too. As Sin Fein and SNP might table motions of referendums… which you know will be a blow to the Her Majesties Government in London. Whitehall and all the greatness of the fallen empire will be displeased. While we cannot foresee an outcome of those elections today. It wouldn’t be shocking, if they chose to leave or flee for independence from London. Both nations has all to gain and possibly also a closer connection to the EU. That something more worthwhile then holding the Union of the United Kingdom afloat these days. Since, it gives little, only more stagnation and lack of progress. The austerities and lack of progression is very evident.

London is calling, but the PM is ditching the calls. He knows what is coming. The aftermath of Brexit and the pandemic is here. He has nowhere to hide and the people are turning on his quickly. Peace.

Opinion: The Tories are the losers of these elections

The Conservative Party losing across the board. There is no victories to see and those who see any. Well, you are an anomaly and not according to the numbers. If the numbers of Wales, Scotland or England are telling. The Tories has lost vastly to the others. Some might say Labour didn’t do a landslide, but they together with the opposition won these elections. They took the councillors in Scotland, Wales and England. While the Unionists are losing in the Northern Ireland too.

If your are thinking this is salvageable numbers or polls for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. No, these sorts of results should send him packing. As this is a sign of the tiredness and the smug brat in Downing Street 10. His now a “walking dead” or a man with no trust in the people.

The Tories have no ground to stand on. Maybe they have the North of England. Where the blue-belt still remains. Nevertheless, they are losing elsewhere and it’s not looking any good. The Scottish National Party, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Greens are doing well. In Northern Ireland Sinn Fein and Alliance Party are on the rise too. So, there is possibly less friends in Belfast over the weekend too.

So, in Edinburgh and Cardiff, you have SNP and Labour who runs things. While in Belfast you could possibly have Sin Fein. There is no where to be found of friendly faces and allies of the Tories. The local councils has lost mandates and the majorities of the blue. The blue wave has vanished and left leaning politicians has gotten into office. That got to sting and hurt the pride of the Tories.

However, we know they will downplay this. The loss is huge and will have an impact. The MPs of the ruling party should be worried. Their seats are possibly up for grabs and the electorate is signalling them. The lack of proper governing, the handling of the pandemic and the costs of Brexit is now obvious. The spin-doctors cannot salvage this… there is no way of spinning this that makes any sort of sense.

London should be calling, but I doubt at this moment that the PM will care. His people are dodging and they know their party is bleeding. There is no good news on the horizon. The costs of Brexit and the fatigue of the scandals doesn’t make things better. The PM is a sleaze and someone who has acted above the rules and the codes of others. He cannot run away from that fact and think petty fines will let him off the hook. When the families, loved-ones and others wasn’t able to say their final goodbye’s during the pandemic. The drinking and the partying has backfired…

The polls and the results shows it. Not only is London turning red. Other parts are joining the Lib-Dems and the Greens. There is no real safe-haven, unless he wants to settle down in Sunderland. While the Tories should be worried. These results are a sign that the Tories cannot trade lies and deceit for much longer.

Boris Johnson ensured this loss. It isn’t even only in England, but it’s everywhere. Not looking decent anywhere really. Northern Ireland is even getting closer to Dublin. That got to hurt. While Edinburgh isn’t looking shiny either. There is no where to go and he cannot hide.

Boris has lost this one and by a landslide. The coalition and strategic voting has by all means countered the Tories. They couldn’t overcome this and it’s a major blow. The Tories have to wonder how much longer they can stick by this leadership and party line. Since, it is going backwards. They are losing and there is little to show for it. The constituents aren’t buying it and the spin isn’t working.

Some might say that the Labour didn’t do that well. Alas, Labour at least won seats, Liberal-Democrats and Greens are the major victors together with the SNP in Scotland. No denying that in that, but the ultimate loser of the Local Councillors Elections are the Tories. Peace.

Opinion: The Scots are ditching the Tories too… [and the SNP for the win)

Scotland – story so far is everyone is gaining save for the Conservatives and independents

Councillors

SNP: +17

Lab: +12

LD: +13

Green: +11

Conservatives: -40

Independents: -13” (Lewis Goodall, 06.05.2022).

Just like in England, the Local Councillor Elections in Scotland is going in favour of the opposition to the Conservative Party. The Tories are losing by a landslide. The Scottish National Party (SNP), Labour Party, Liberal-Democratic Party and the Green Party have all better results all over in Scotland. That got to hurt the Tories, as that was a place of rising Conservative Party ahead of the Brexit and such. Now things are turning and it’s showing the distress.

The Prime Minister and his ruling party should feel shattered by the results in England and Scotland. This is just showing that the Conservative Party isn’t having a stronghold or a strong base in Scotland. When the party can loose to everyone else. This is showing that the tide is turning. While SNP is furthering their mandate and galvanized instead. That should be a lesson for Sir Keir Stramer. Who needs to see the SNP as a possible ally in the up-coming snap-elections.

Since these results aren’t earth shattering, but the SNP is going from strength to strength. The leadership of the SNP should be happy and they should follow this momentum as well. Since, the Tories are failing and weakening. The other allies and parties should gather around to ensure the next steps ahead. These should use the new mandates and solidify it.

The SNP, Labour, Lib-Dems and Greens needs to make itself a coalition and plan ahead to ensure the end of the Tories. That is if they want a more left-leaning parties. It is time for them to show why they are an alternative and how they can serve the constituents.

The Tories should be shaking since they are losing massively. The margins or error is becoming visible. The damage done by the Brexit and by the scandals of Downing Street 10 is now hurting across the board. The governing party is wasting it’s opportunities to make a difference and actually make things better. Instead, it has served the elites and the wealthy, which the citizens has rebuked now.

The SNP should be praised for this and the other parties has delivered too. Labour should look into the Scottish Chapter and what it did to get these results. Because, that could be a healthy look to the rural and how Labour is struggling in the Northern England. They need to listen and be inspired by that. While Lib-Dems and Greens are showing to be a viable alternative too now. Therefore, this election should be seen as inspiring.

We should be proud of the Scots and their votes. They have decided to totally turn on the Tories and it’s deserved. Peace.

Brexit: The HGV driver shortage was warned about years ago…

The driver shortage has resulted in a dependence on agency and particularly foreign drivers that goes beyond what is needed to cope with seasonal variations and is now necessary to sustain normal operation. The dependence on agency staff means that operators in the sector are probably not investing enough in their staff. We think this creates two risks that need to be managed. First, if the UK becomes relatively less attractive as a place for foreign drivers to work, as it may do as the consequences of Brexit play out, the shortage could become much more acute, possibly quite rapidly. Second, the longer-term sustainability of the UK’s road haulage sector could be undermined if there is not a steady stream of people through the sector gaining the skills and experience that they need to become transport managers and operators” (…) “Both the industry and Government have taken steps to address the shortage. None of these are on a scale likely to deliver the number of drivers needed. The road haulage sector, supported by the Government, needs to take further steps to:

meet any shortage and reduce dependence on foreign drivers (about 60,000 drivers);

meet any predicted growth in demand; and

deal with the demographic time-bomb (about 75,000 drivers by 2020)” (Parliament.uk – ‘Skills and workforce planning in the road haulage sector’ 27.07.2016).

Sometimes you wonder if the Tories and the Cabinet Secretaries are so forgetful. You can wonder, if they care about warnings and red signs. The Brexit referendum would clearly target the haulage industry. As it is dependent on European Union citizens with license and ability to drive heavy-goods driver (HGV).

The Tories have offered a three month visa parley to everyone they sent packing after the Brexit was issued. The European Union Haulage Unions have dismissed this offer. They are saying they can easily be used, but sent straight back without any consideration for work. Therefore, the EU HGV drivers will not return to save Christmas in the United Kingdom.

Yes, the government gave this “amnesty” or ability during the weekend. At the same time it has put in regulations that all vehicles and lorries who is going into EU from the UK has to take-off their stickers with GB and change that to UK. That is actually something they have done. Just like changing colour on the passport. It is symbolic changes, but not what industries need in these dire times.

The Tories and the Downing Street needs to focus on. They are not securing the livelihoods of the HGV drivers. Neither has it made efforts or done anything for the foreseeable future. They are instead trying to patch up the hurt without any real reform for the transport sector. Which is needed to cope with the lack of trained personnel, salaries or even long-term prospects to work in the haulage industry.

The UK needs the EU HGV drivers to be able to cope. That is why we are seeing again the possibility of the army to do logistics in the Kingdom. Since, the Tories haven’t secured or made it possible for others to cover needs, which is clearly there. The Tories cannot even come with sound judgement or policies, which will make it feasible for the grandstanding departure of previous drivers to return. These will not return when they are getting pennies on the pound and working in crappy conditions while staying in UK. It is not like Boris Johnson or any of his cadre will humiliate themselves in the same regard. No, they rather spend vacations in Caribbean and hope someone else fixes the problems they created.

The Tories haven’t secure the basics. That’s why the supermarkets lacks produce and commodities, why farmers lack’s personnel to pick and secure their produce to market and finally lack of drivers to deliver the needed things across the Kingdom. The Tories haven’t given incentives or prospects for anyone then themselves.

The lack of drivers isn’t only the fault of Brexit alone. It is a systemic fault of a incompetent government. Who is all about publicity, but not about proper policies. This is why it is happening. The fuel-shortage and the empty shelves in the supermarkets says it all. It is not the fault of the public, but the politicians that promised heaven. However, they haven’t delivered the golden gates, but instead showed a little piece of hell.

Kudos to the Tories for failing in such a manner. They will blame anyone else and even say it’s the public own faults for buying petrol. The Tories will go after the companies itself, than look into own misgivings. Because that’s what they do.

What is extra tragic here is that they knew this could be amplified and gotten worse by the efforts of Brexit. However, the state didn’t act upon or take in-consideration the needs of the haulage industry. Therefore, the Tories who was in power the whole time could have made things possible, but clearly they never did. Peace.