Signs of a failed state

I wonder how the hard Brexiters will explain the vegetable and fruit shortages we are currently facing.

Apparently, the tomato shortages are due to poor weather in Morocco and Spain.

Before we left the EU we had a strong currency and did not need to import from Morocco relying on produce from the EU. At the time of the vote it was 1.36 Euro to the pound, now it is 1.13.

Is it any wonder that producer countries like Spain and Italy prioritise countries with a strong currency like the Euro or indeed the Norwegian Kroner?

I studied in East Germany for a while. This failed state had the same issue of a devalued currency and queuing for many types of food was normal.

This is the way we are heading at the moment. When will the Brexiters admit they were wrong and start working towards rejoining the EU? Even Brexiter Rishi Sunak is working towards closer links as his agreement on Northern Ireland shows.

So what do the hard Brexiters have as an excuse now? I wait their reply with interest.

Jonathan Sheldrake

Priam House

Rodbourne

NI agreement should have had close study

I fear our two MPs have chosen to support an agreement without giving it as close a study as it deserves and requires.

That is not to say there are no benefits arising from the negotiations, rather it is to acknowledge the simple truth that Northern Ireland remains subject to EU rules.

A point the EU has confirmed by making it clear that for pages and pages of EU law to be set aside requires the EU to pass a law allowing this to take place.

So for 1700 EU laws to be set aside requires one new EU law, which the EU can change or suspend at will, to be passed.

The issues with trade between NI and Eire could have been resolved quite easily by a degree of 'light handed' regulatory control. The EU chose to take a more aggressive approach.

I'm not persuaded they will not repeat that post the Windsor Framework.

Des Morgan

Caraway Drive

Swindon

Get active in April

I'm supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s latest fundraising campaign, ActiveApril.

Taking part is really simple. Just get sponsored to walk, run or stretch every day in April, which happens to be Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

Supporters can choose how they take part, whether it’s a dance class, jogging to the top of the nearest hill, or aiming for the top of the stairs. All money raised from the challenge will help stop people dying of bowel cancer – the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.

Someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer every 15 minutes in the UK, so by the time you’ve walked (almost) a mile, swum a few lengths in the pool or cycled to the park, someone will have heard the words: you’ve got bowel cancer.

With my family history of the disease, I’m all too aware of the importance of taking part in regular physical exercise to reduce my risk of bowel cancer. That’s why I’m delighted to be supporting ActiveApril.

Matt Dawson

Ex-England Rugby Captain

Bowel Cancer UK

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