LETTER: Spend cash locally or send it to Brussels?

There is not a week that goes by without a letter in this column expressing the reader’s concern about Brexit, and quite rightly so.

I had my say on how important the EU was two years ago and what we got out of it, this was before the referendum.
Of course we had the establishment on both sides frighten the public with misleading forecasts before we all voted in the referendum. Staying close to the EU and the single market is key, but we should never have left in the first place.

We cannot deny that two years on, the Brexit negotiations have turned into a shambles with the Tory government getting closer to a no deal by the day. Whether we voted remain or leave surely we all want what is best for the UK. Together we can be strong, but divided we will be a weak country, it’s time to move on.

I accept the result of the referendum, there is no turning back, but if there is a no deal looming I don’t want the government to pay £39bn to Brussels bureaucrats.

Such a large amount of money could be cascaded down to all our constituencies to be spent on much need improvements for communities and services. This way, people would benefit sooner than later and the impact on our high streets and local economies would be very positive indeed.

After all according to government lawyers the UK is not legally obligated to pay vast amounts of money to Brussels, so why waste these billions when this amount of money could go towards our NHS, infrastructure and housing, and much more? Ask most people – do you think your local MP should spend millions of pounds locally or send it to Brussels? What would be the answer?

No wonder we are a country divided, we have left the Brexit negotiations to one party who appear to be looking after themselves instead of what is best for our country. This is not about the few, it’s for the many that will pay for the deal either way. But I would rather be better off and see local communities benefit the most. There is a better way.

So with all the talk of a second referendum or a vote on the final deal, the taxpayer pays the piper and should call the tune.

I saw this recently in a pub review magazine – there is still time to slip out the back, Jack, make a new plan, Stan. You don’t need to be coy, Roy. Just listen to me. So let’s hop on the bus with Gus, You don’t have to discuss much, Just drop off the key Lee, and get yourself free – Paul Simon, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.

Makes you wonder. I will leave it there.

Rodney Sadd
Carrington Road
Spalding