Dear David, In your latest contribution on Brexit you have referred to the comments by Mrs Merkel, President Macron and Mr. Juncker about the possibility of the UK remaining in the EU. This is a sign that they see in the internal political chaos of the UK the possibility of freeing themselves from the complexities of Brexit and the probable negative effects on the economies of the rest of the EU. However, one should not forget that the price for remaining in the EU would probably include a end to the various opt outs that the UK enjoys at the moment. At this moment, politics is dominating over the realities of business and economics. It is the moment when the leaders of UK agriculture, finance, manufacturing and services should stand up and be counted. They should come forward and contribute actively to the UK's internal debate. They have a duty to tell the UK politicians and public exactly what the various alternatives being discussed actually imply. They have the daily experience of these realities and they have been absent from the debate so far. It should not be left to journalists, academics and politicians to fashion our future.

David Fuller's view

Thank you for this very helpful email. I agree entirely.

As far as the EU is concerned, politics have always dominated over the realities of business and economics. It would be sensible if this changed but I see no evidence that it is doing so. I assume that a punitive ending of Margaret Thatcher’s opt outs would certainly infuriate most of the UK electorate and turn them against dropping any form of Brexit.

I agree that businesses and their representational organisations should come forward and contribute positively to the UK’s debate regarding its best long-term interests.