The magnificent 27...
The news that the PM did not even know that it was not 127 HGV drivers who have offered to come to the UK to sort out his mess but only 27, hides a wider issue.
Mr Johnson also said that the fact so few are coming to the UK shows there is a global shortage of drivers. Really? Does it not show that the UK is now a completely unattractive place to come and work?
If you tell workers they are low skilled, not wanted, have forced down wages and are not welcome, what do you expect to happen when you then beg them for help?
The Tory lies that Brexit was a cunning plan to increase wages and productivity clash with reality and so the Brexiteers chose fantasy. If this was just a domestic issue it would be bad enough but it is obvious that this attitude is poisoning the UK’s relationship with the EU.
The Foreign Secretary gives a speech that doesn’t even mention the EU or Europe, Lord Frost threatens to impose a settlement on the EU and Northern Ireland and use Article 16. The UK threatens to leave the ECHR (it has the word European in the title, that is apparently enough of a reason). The reaction in the rest of Europe is apparently, let them stew in their own juice.
This is dangerous for both sides, some kind of relationship, hopefully an harmonious one, is necessary; but it is far more important for the UK.
As the magnificent 27 show the UK needs them far more than they need the UK.
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.