REACH out

It will come as no surprise to learn that the UK version of the EU chemical regulations, REACH, has been kicked into the long grass for two years.

Those who read thos posts will not be surprised, as it was a policy that added nothing to what we already have, just extra costs and red tape. But the same could be said about many things with Brexit, of course.

Next question is over the British Standard Mark, a revival of the old "Kite Mark", or Shite Mark as it has been called. For companies that operate in Britain, NI and the EU there will be different complaince rule for each area, thus tripling regulatory cots, for no actual benefit. Not only that, it would be the same for companies in the EU or global, and so many will not see the point so decide not to trade in Britain or NO, thus reducing customer choice.

Another Brexit benefit.

There is talk of a reset in UK-French relations as the French president is now expected to win a second term in next year's elections. The reality of cooperation in security and defence whilst being antagonistic in areas of trade and politics because of Brexit was never realistic. But then again, short term political gain at home will always be the default for Johnson and Frost to create some crisis that they can overinflate.

Otherwise, Brexit has gone quiet in the run up to Christmas. New UK regulations are due to come into force on New Year's Day, and there is no sign of those being further postponed, nor UK businesses being prepared for them. Shortages through January seem inevitable.

Trade data continue to show the huge damage Brexit continues to do to the UK economy, and yet this is mostly ingmored. And for Johnson, there is the spectre of Farrage threatening forming a new party and a return to politics if the hardline Brexit path is abandoned.

The UK continues to be crippled.