Policy in Practice

Many people questioned whether Britain would have any influence outside the EU. Well a week after Brexit it seems we’ve changed the complexion of a whole continent. Britain’s exit from the EU surprised many but the signs were always there, even if a Londoncentric media forgot to cover it. London and the South is a prosperous place, even if many of its workers are treading water. Yet outside the capital, globalised wealth is not the primary driver. Instead it’s the local economy and regional business. And these vital businesses are where the ‘remain’ debate should have focused, questioning whether the EU stifles a more equal distribution of investment. Instead, remain focused on the ‘leave’ argument. With immigration, racism and little England taking centre stage. Yet little England’s groan of restlessness struck a chord internationally, with other EU nations reporting discontent. And at this sensitive time for learning what is our media reporting on? The right wing agenda of co...

The Brexit debate has given me a new focus on what’s important for Britain, and I believe it’s the local and regional economy. Small and medium business (SME) employs over 50% of the UK workforce but they appear fairly hampered by EU regulation. These concerns have also been expressed by leaders of other EU nations, with one being somewhat comparable to Britain. Poland has one of the largest populations in Europe, almost 40 million. Their population increase mirrors the UK until three years ago where the UK spiked. House prices are rising every year in part fuelled by foreign investment. Supply has been constrained and demand has been stoked by Government programmes. Proportionate to population they have similar numbers of MP’s, with similar statistics of female representation. Both nations share similar GDP growth and income equality ratings. Interest rates are at historic lows in both nations and like Britain, keeping their own currency has meant responsible integration. Lik...