Ross BrightDec 27, 2022

Via ONS, UK GDP is still 0.8% below pre-pandemic level, leaving the UK as the only G7 economy with output still below pre-COVID level. US GDP is 4.3% above its 2019 level, Eurozone 2.2% above.

The realities of #brexit as a global policy, particularly in 2022 given the geopolitical, economic and trading realities, has completely failed. It feels inevitable we will realign with the EU.

But how do we unwind this mess? And how quickly can this be done? Without further damaging the UK.

Show threadChris Gerhard Dec 27, 2022
@jackLondon @rossbright indeed. Only once the tories are gone can we start to have a grown up conversation, but that has to begin with electoral reform so we can actually vote for what we want rather than against what we don't. I fear a labour landslide will result in complacency, again, from labour.
Show threadChris Gerhard Dec 27, 2022
@jackLondon @rossbright it's not that PR is a panacea, it's that FPTP is a disaster. We are here because of FPTP allowed a relatively small number of people to take over the government and force us down a path that never really had majority support.
Show threadChris Gerhard Dec 27, 2022
@jackLondon @rossbright I'm not underestimating it at all. That was literally the point I made. The unwritten construction is a red herring (although the failureof institutions and the acceptanceof corruption is a huge problem its not the cause). This disaster did not start with Johnson. He was just the face of the leave campaign. Its roots come from Cameron's fear of Ukip that thanks to FPTP was endangering the Conservatives ability to be elected. ..
Show threadChris Gerhard Dec 27, 2022
@jackLondon @rossbright That lead to his offer of a referendum and then his failure both to clearly set the terms of the referendum and then to win it. It all stems from FPTP. I struggle to fear small far right parties when we have a far right party in government with a huge majority based on a minority of the vote.
Show threadChris Gerhard Dec 27, 2022
@jackLondon @rossbright the fact that Labour won't do PR is precisely why we risk a one term Labour government. They will face an unprecedented economic climate and be largely powerless to improve it while outside the SM. That will alienate any pro EU voters and those suffering due to the economic conditions,allowing the tories to take advantage of the split vote.
Show threadChris Gerhard Dec 27, 2022
@jackLondon @rossbright it's the Conservatives surging that will bevthe problem. Its pro EU voters deserting them for minor parties if the continue to tie themselves to the economic disaster of brexit.
Show threadChris Gerhard 
@jackLondon @rossbright My concern will be a pro EU party forming and splitting the anti-tory vote, that an loosing votes to the libdems in 3 way marginals letting the tories in. With Labour continuing the disaster of Brexit they can't rely on people who understand economics continuing to support them.
Dec 28, 2022 at 10:50amWeb
Show threadVoyager03Dec 29, 2022
@chrisgerhard @jackLondon @rossbright the Lib Dems are already a 'pro EU' and want PR party. Why bother to split - just vote for them.