Tory support for Brexit

Tories are supporting Boris because he got Brexit done. One of his supporters said on TV he was better than Theresa May because although she had integrity she made a mess of it. Accepting we are no longer a member of the EU, we must hold him to account for making a complete mess of it.

The all-party Public Accounts Committee today published a damning report. This included yet another deception; government promised £20M to help small business, but only spent £6.7M because they made the rules to keep out some of them.  See a summary from the BBC of this report below.

Nigel Jones

Public Accounts Committee REPORT 9 Feb 22  BREXIT

“One of the great promises of Brexit was freeing British businesses to give them the headroom to maximise their productivity and contribution to the economy – even more desperately needed now on the long road to recovery from the pandemic,” said PAC chair Meg Hillier.

“Yet the only detectable impact so far is increased costs, paperwork and border delays.”

While it was hard to disentangle the impact of Brexit from the effects of Covid and wider global problems it was “clear that EU exit has had an impact” on UK trade volumes, the committee said.

Another big test identified by the committee will be the phased introduction of controls on imports into the UK, which began on 1 January.

Physical checks on the import of food products are due to begin in July, and the British Port Authority told the PAC it needs greater clarity about the precise arrangements, including the percentage of products which will be checked.

Meg Hillier says the PAC has repeatedly reported on Brexit preparedness, and there have been delays to promised deadlines at every stage.

“It’s time the government was honest about the problems rather than overpromising,” she said.

In particular, the PAC wants the government to do more to help small firms prepare for the extra burdens they are having to deal with, and to consider further support.

It says only £6.7m of the £20m offered under the SME Brexit Support Fund was paid out, because narrowly defined criteria meant many businesses missed out on funding.

It also urges the government to write to the committee, within six months, setting out the timetable for its planned programme of work on the “noteworthy ambition” to create the world’s most effective border by 2025.

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Tribute to the late Angela Studd

It is with a sense of sadness that I write this tribute. I have known Angela for many years. I first met Angela through politics , but soon found out she had many more strings to her bow. Angela was happiest when she was meeting people and doing whatever she could to help others. Many in the party will know she took an active interest in what the local and national Liberal Democrats were doing and contributed to discussion. Angela was well respected across the political spectrum and this week I have had conversations with people from all of the parties, expressing their warmth and respect for her. However many of us will remember Angela for her baking skills and her warm friendly, hospitality when we visited. A cup of tea and a home made bun was always at hand. Her house was often open for fund raising socials and many have enjoyed sitting in Robin and Angela’s garden on a sunny day.

Despite being a busy person, her family were a top priority for her, she made herself available at great personal cost to drive up and down the motorway to York and Bath to look after her grandchildren and visited her much loved daughters. Her family in America were slightly further away but she was in constant contact with them, and my last conversation with Angela was about how she was looking forward to seeing them in America in the Spring. If it was a school holiday we knew where Angela was, she was looking after her family. Angela was a member of the North Staffs play Council and was a critical friend there, giving support and any advice she could. Maybe her love of children generated from her being a nurse and latterly a midwifery tutor. I sometimes met Angela at the hospital, she was always at hand to guide and be a friendly face when it was needed without being overbearing.

Having lived on the campus of the university and latterly in the village, Keele was very much her home, and so for many Angela will be known for her interest in village and university life. She was a member of the PCC, and active in church life, including being a church warden at Keele Parish church for some time.  To both roles she brought her energy and enthusiastic personality .

Many will miss Angela and deep holes will need to be filled.

Marion Reddish

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Angela Studd – In Memorium

It is with great sadness that I share the news that one of our dear friends, supporters and staunch Liberal Democrats had sadly passed away.

Angela Studd was an excellent supporter of the party locally and will be greatly missed.

Angela could always be relied upon to care for and support the Newcastle Under Lyme Liberal Democrats in any way she could, regularly hosting us with her husband Robin at their Keele home for social events, executive committee meetings and party business, as well as organising events for us.

Angela was always a friendly face, caring ear and supportive arm for all in the community that needed her.

It’s with great fondness I’ll remember her ability to ensure all were welcome into her home. Her unique ability to embody the gift that is hospitality will be sorely missed and her caring spirit which would always emanate through a meeting or campaign group will live on as we cherish our thoughts and memories of her.

We have lost much as a party with Angela’s passing and our thoughts and well wishes are ever present with Robin and the Studd family at this very difficult time.

Aidan Jenkins (Chair Elect)

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