During the election the Labour leader promised that the UK would not rejoin the EU Single Market or Customs Union primarily to appease traditional Labour voters who voted Conservative in the previous election. It is now generally accepted that the UK economy has weakened significantly due to departure from the EU - responsible for over 40% of UK trade. Now I’m a strong Ebay user and in the past I’ve purchased from several European countries duty and tax-free. I recently purchased a piece of camera equipment expecting the same but was shocked to receive a warning from the Italian seller that anything over a modest amount would be subject to duty and tax at the UK border. I was forced to cancel the purchase. The increase in red-tape and costs has substantially damaged the UK economy but the most obvious solutions are being ignored by the government, who are hoping somehow to improve the EU departure trading agreement - a pipe dream. Trade and so much else (including to possibility to travel and work unhindered across EU borders) has been badly eroded while the obvious short to medium-term answers are ignored. It is also true that many millions who voted to leave the EU are regretting their decision, with the farmers and fishermen especially anxious (who have also seen their operating costs rising steeply making business viability, at best, precarious).

The Labour leadership had many years to prepare for government; to establish the true state of the economy and social welfare; but the party’s concern to win power (at almost any cost) trumped this vital and necessary work. How will it achieve economic growth while controlling inflation? How will it build 1.5 million homes without building workers and with major building companies holding onto undeveloped land hoping for property values to continually increase? How will hospital waiting lists be reduced with the paucity of staff and equipment, and continued bed blocking due to a social care sector in crisis? Every state and local council function is in crisis with criminals being released early and trials delayed by years. Without a radical and costly plan this country will continue to be bottom of the world’s league of developed nations, and the country’s growth rate - so critical in funding key public services - will remain untenable. I cannot remember a worse start by a government faced with existing critical challenges. And the claim by the government to force through change and transparency have been trumped by gross incompetence and dishonesty. Nobody voted for this.

Finally, the government’s timid approach to Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza, and the relentless following of USA policy, make me ashamed and angry. Like Biden, Labour has and will ultimately suffer reduced popularity for its shamefully passive and ineffective approach.