SWW Freeman
@swwfree.bsky.social
Old China Hand
Bow Bells
Europhile appalled at the causes and consequences of Brexit
FBPE
Bow Bells
Europhile appalled at the causes and consequences of Brexit
FBPE
Reposted by SWW Freeman
In case you missed it
Is the tide turning? New post on my Brexit & Brexitism Blog. Renewed talk of a customs union may well come to nothing, but rapidly changing geo-politics mean the UK needs urgently to face up to the failure of the entire Brexit ‘strategy’: chrisgreybrexitblog.blogspot.com/2025/12/is-t...
December 13, 2025 at 3:18 PM
In case you missed it
Reposted by SWW Freeman
The tide is turning. Even the Telegraph is now admitting the damage the Brexit deal has done to the economy.
November 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM
The tide is turning. Even the Telegraph is now admitting the damage the Brexit deal has done to the economy.
Reposted by SWW Freeman
"Let’s set the record straight on the cause of our economic woes and inability to control immigration, writes Robert Gildea"
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
A public inquiry on Brexit might make it easier for us to rejoin the EU | Letters
Letters: Let’s set the record straight on the cause of our economic woes and inability to control immigration, writes Robert Gildea. Plus a letter from Rachel Foggitt
www.theguardian.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:05 PM
"Let’s set the record straight on the cause of our economic woes and inability to control immigration, writes Robert Gildea"
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by SWW Freeman
In case you missed it ...
The Farages of this world are nothing new. Here's a painting from 1920 by Otto Plattner. It shows Death confronting a demagogue by shoving all his hate-filled speeches back down his lying throat.💥 I've added the original German text and a translation beneath the painting.
The Farages of this world are nothing new. Here's a painting from 1920 by Otto Plattner. It shows Death confronting a demagogue by shoving all his hate-filled speeches back down his lying throat.💥 I've added the original German text and a translation beneath the painting.
November 29, 2025 at 4:03 PM
In case you missed it ...
The Farages of this world are nothing new. Here's a painting from 1920 by Otto Plattner. It shows Death confronting a demagogue by shoving all his hate-filled speeches back down his lying throat.💥 I've added the original German text and a translation beneath the painting.
The Farages of this world are nothing new. Here's a painting from 1920 by Otto Plattner. It shows Death confronting a demagogue by shoving all his hate-filled speeches back down his lying throat.💥 I've added the original German text and a translation beneath the painting.
Reposted by SWW Freeman
There you go.
Parliament will now consider debate on calls for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
Parliament will now consider debate on calls for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
November 29, 2025 at 4:13 PM
There you go.
Parliament will now consider debate on calls for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
Parliament will now consider debate on calls for a public inquiry into Russian influence on UK politics & democracy
Reposted by SWW Freeman
Who remembers that Brexit campaign slogan from 2016? 🤔
November 25, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Who remembers that Brexit campaign slogan from 2016? 🤔
Reposted by SWW Freeman
The devastating effects of Brexit continue to build
Brexit has cost each and every one of us £3,700 a year.
But instead of solving the problem, Labour are using Brexit as an excuse to raise your taxes.
My message ahead of the Budget: Stop blaming Brexit and start fixing it!
But instead of solving the problem, Labour are using Brexit as an excuse to raise your taxes.
My message ahead of the Budget: Stop blaming Brexit and start fixing it!
November 25, 2025 at 5:54 PM
The devastating effects of Brexit continue to build
Reposted by SWW Freeman
Rachel Reeves says there’s a “hole” in the public finances. A new decade-long Brexit study explains it: a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk
New: Boris Johnson’s ‘Brexit Titanic success’ was half right
Nearly ten years on, the first full assessment of Brexit confirms what millions warned: Britain made itself poorer
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Rachel Reeves says there’s a “hole” in the public finances. A new decade-long Brexit study explains it: a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
@eastangliabylines.co.uk
Reposted by SWW Freeman
Always remember ... "A" customs union is not "The" Customs Union. It doesn't bring the benefits of the Single Market – and it intentionally avoids the issue of Freedom of Movement. We need the Single Market and we need Freedom of Movement. The public is far further than the politicians on this.
November 22, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Always remember ... "A" customs union is not "The" Customs Union. It doesn't bring the benefits of the Single Market – and it intentionally avoids the issue of Freedom of Movement. We need the Single Market and we need Freedom of Movement. The public is far further than the politicians on this.
Reposted by SWW Freeman
"The economic harm caused to the UK by Brexit is nearly double previous estimates. Brexit is impacting GDP per person by 6% to 8%, equating to £180–£240 billion in losses. If GDP were 6% higher, Reeves would have £60 billion more to work with — without raising taxes."
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺
UK Faces Hidden Brexit Damage: Lost Output Could Top £240 Billion, Economists Warn
A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research reveals that Brexit has caused economic harm to the UK nearly double previous estimates, impacting GDP per person by 6% to 8%, equating to £1...
www.timesnownews.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
"The economic harm caused to the UK by Brexit is nearly double previous estimates. Brexit is impacting GDP per person by 6% to 8%, equating to £180–£240 billion in losses. If GDP were 6% higher, Reeves would have £60 billion more to work with — without raising taxes."
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺
#RejoinEU 🇬🇧🇪🇺
Reposted by SWW Freeman
Brexit has ...
Decreased GDP
Increased inflation
Increased immigration
Increased skills shortages
Decreased investment
Increased red tape
Hurt farmers
Hurt fishermen
Hurt musicians
Hurt business travellers
Hurt exports
Hurt imports
Decreased our world standing
Increased our dependency on America
Decreased GDP
Increased inflation
Increased immigration
Increased skills shortages
Decreased investment
Increased red tape
Hurt farmers
Hurt fishermen
Hurt musicians
Hurt business travellers
Hurt exports
Hurt imports
Decreased our world standing
Increased our dependency on America
November 18, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Brexit has ...
Decreased GDP
Increased inflation
Increased immigration
Increased skills shortages
Decreased investment
Increased red tape
Hurt farmers
Hurt fishermen
Hurt musicians
Hurt business travellers
Hurt exports
Hurt imports
Decreased our world standing
Increased our dependency on America
Decreased GDP
Increased inflation
Increased immigration
Increased skills shortages
Decreased investment
Increased red tape
Hurt farmers
Hurt fishermen
Hurt musicians
Hurt business travellers
Hurt exports
Hurt imports
Decreased our world standing
Increased our dependency on America
Reposted by SWW Freeman
Or we could just rejoin and have it all for a membership flatrate!
🇬🇧🇪🇺 "The UK must pay into the EU budget for future participation in the European single market in electricity. The EU also demands an entry fee of up to €6bn for British companies to maximise benefits from the EU defence programme."
🇬🇧🇪🇺 "The UK must pay into the EU budget for future participation in the European single market in electricity. The EU also demands an entry fee of up to €6bn for British companies to maximise benefits from the EU defence programme."
EU confirms it wants UK to pay into its budget in exchange for closer ties
‘Politically realistic’ for UK to make financial contribution so it can access European single market, Irish minister says
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Or we could just rejoin and have it all for a membership flatrate!
🇬🇧🇪🇺 "The UK must pay into the EU budget for future participation in the European single market in electricity. The EU also demands an entry fee of up to €6bn for British companies to maximise benefits from the EU defence programme."
🇬🇧🇪🇺 "The UK must pay into the EU budget for future participation in the European single market in electricity. The EU also demands an entry fee of up to €6bn for British companies to maximise benefits from the EU defence programme."
Reposted by SWW Freeman
We were in the same boat. Now we're in a smaller, leakier boat right next to the EU - facing the same turbulent seas. The myopia in both London and Brussels about the urgent need to act together and repair the Brexit rift is depressing.
good piece by @gideonrachman.bsky.social but I have to ask: Where is Britain in this? Surely you are also affected by foreign influence? And your hard power is far from what it once was? I know it is beyond the scope of this piece but I would so like to read more about that.
The scramble for Europe is just beginning on.ft.com/3X16XUC | opinion
November 17, 2025 at 3:16 PM
We were in the same boat. Now we're in a smaller, leakier boat right next to the EU - facing the same turbulent seas. The myopia in both London and Brussels about the urgent need to act together and repair the Brexit rift is depressing.
Reposted by SWW Freeman
It's a complete Brexit shambles ...
November 17, 2025 at 5:59 PM
It's a complete Brexit shambles ...
Reposted by SWW Freeman
‘GDP reduced by 8%’ – Nine-year study reveals how Brexit decimated UK economy
www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/bre...
www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/bre...
'GDP reduced by 8%' - Nine-year study reveals how Brexit decimated UK economy
Can't help but feel those responsible for Brexit should not, for example, be riding high in the polls with a new party...
www.thelondoneconomic.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:47 PM
‘GDP reduced by 8%’ – Nine-year study reveals how Brexit decimated UK economy
www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/bre...
www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/bre...
Reposted by SWW Freeman
New polling by #BestforBritain shows that three in five Brits now see Brexit as a failure, with seven in 10 of these voters blaming Nigel Farage.
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2561609...
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2561609...
LETTER: Five years on from Brexit and it has been a failure
New polling by Best for Britain shows that three in five Brits now see Brexit as a failure, with seven in 10 of these voters blaming Nigel Farage.
www.theboltonnews.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 5:59 PM
New polling by #BestforBritain shows that three in five Brits now see Brexit as a failure, with seven in 10 of these voters blaming Nigel Farage.
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2561609...
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2561609...
Reposted by SWW Freeman
Five years since Brexit, and a British chancellor has finally called out Brexit for what it is. An act of pure economic sabotage and vandalism.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/2562303...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/2562303...
Brexit an 'act of pure economic sabotage and vandalism'
Five years since Brexit, and a British chancellor has finally called out Brexit for what it is. An act of pure economic sabotage and vandalism.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Five years since Brexit, and a British chancellor has finally called out Brexit for what it is. An act of pure economic sabotage and vandalism.
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/2562303...
www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/2562303...
Reposted by SWW Freeman
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) shows that estimates about the damage done by Brexit have underestimated its impact over the course of a decade. Data now suggests that Brexit has reduced UK GDP by 6%–8%, reduced investment 12%–18%, and reduced productivity by 3%–4%.
🇬🇧🇪🇺
🇬🇧🇪🇺
November 14, 2025 at 11:46 PM
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) shows that estimates about the damage done by Brexit have underestimated its impact over the course of a decade. Data now suggests that Brexit has reduced UK GDP by 6%–8%, reduced investment 12%–18%, and reduced productivity by 3%–4%.
🇬🇧🇪🇺
🇬🇧🇪🇺
Reposted by SWW Freeman
Here's a link to the Brexit damage data ...
The Economic Impact of Brexit
Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, an...
www.nber.org
November 15, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Here's a link to the Brexit damage data ...
Reposted by SWW Freeman
Here's the latest data on what Brexit has done to the UK economy ...
GDP down 6% – 8%
INVESTMENT down 12% – 18%
PRODUCTIVITY down 3% – 4%
GDP down 6% – 8%
INVESTMENT down 12% – 18%
PRODUCTIVITY down 3% – 4%
November 15, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Here's the latest data on what Brexit has done to the UK economy ...
GDP down 6% – 8%
INVESTMENT down 12% – 18%
PRODUCTIVITY down 3% – 4%
GDP down 6% – 8%
INVESTMENT down 12% – 18%
PRODUCTIVITY down 3% – 4%
Reposted by SWW Freeman
Most of the UK’s economic problems since Brexit would have been avoided if it had stayed in the European Single Market and Customs Union and it’s time to move closer to the EU, writes former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
In this new Age of Empires, why UK must choose Europe over isolation
Most of the UK’s economic problems since Brexit would have been avoided if it had stayed in the European Single Market and Customs Union and it’s time to move closer to the EU, writes former Belgian P...
www.scotsman.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Most of the UK’s economic problems since Brexit would have been avoided if it had stayed in the European Single Market and Customs Union and it’s time to move closer to the EU, writes former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Reposted by SWW Freeman
Synthetic controls with a heavy weight on the US always worry me a little, but this is a careful bit of work from Nick Bloom and co with (as I see it) two big implications
1. They put the Brexit hit to GDP at 6-8%..!
2. Their measure of the damage hasn't bottomed out yet
www.nber.org/papers/w34459
1. They put the Brexit hit to GDP at 6-8%..!
2. Their measure of the damage hasn't bottomed out yet
www.nber.org/papers/w34459
November 13, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Synthetic controls with a heavy weight on the US always worry me a little, but this is a careful bit of work from Nick Bloom and co with (as I see it) two big implications
1. They put the Brexit hit to GDP at 6-8%..!
2. Their measure of the damage hasn't bottomed out yet
www.nber.org/papers/w34459
1. They put the Brexit hit to GDP at 6-8%..!
2. Their measure of the damage hasn't bottomed out yet
www.nber.org/papers/w34459
Reposted by SWW Freeman
How Brexit impact on business investment left the UK lagging behind Europe.
Britain may have missed out on more than $520 billion in investment since 2016 referendum.
www.thenationalnews.com/business/eco...
Britain may have missed out on more than $520 billion in investment since 2016 referendum.
www.thenationalnews.com/business/eco...
How Brexit impact on business investment left the UK lagging behind Europe | The National
Britain may have missed out on more than $520 billion in investment since 2016 referendum
www.thenationalnews.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:24 PM
How Brexit impact on business investment left the UK lagging behind Europe.
Britain may have missed out on more than $520 billion in investment since 2016 referendum.
www.thenationalnews.com/business/eco...
Britain may have missed out on more than $520 billion in investment since 2016 referendum.
www.thenationalnews.com/business/eco...
Reposted by SWW Freeman
“The Panorama edit may be a mistake. The campaign around it is not. It is an assault on democratic infrastructure. The question is whether Britain will defend its power to tell the truth” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on the BBC under siege: Britain must defend its own truth | Editorial
Editorial: With Donald Trump circling and Labour ministers wavering, defending the corporation’s independence is now a test of national will
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:35 PM
“The Panorama edit may be a mistake. The campaign around it is not. It is an assault on democratic infrastructure. The question is whether Britain will defend its power to tell the truth” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by SWW Freeman
NEW
A close look at Trump's $1 billion claim against the BBC
The litigation letter is weak, but his underlying practical position is not weak
By me:
emptycity.substack.com/p/a-close-lo... (Substack)
(Non-Substack link to follow.)
A close look at Trump's $1 billion claim against the BBC
The litigation letter is weak, but his underlying practical position is not weak
By me:
emptycity.substack.com/p/a-close-lo... (Substack)
(Non-Substack link to follow.)
A close look at Trump's $1 billion claim against the BBC
The litigation letter is weak, but his underlying practical position is not weak
emptycity.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:18 PM
NEW
A close look at Trump's $1 billion claim against the BBC
The litigation letter is weak, but his underlying practical position is not weak
By me:
emptycity.substack.com/p/a-close-lo... (Substack)
(Non-Substack link to follow.)
A close look at Trump's $1 billion claim against the BBC
The litigation letter is weak, but his underlying practical position is not weak
By me:
emptycity.substack.com/p/a-close-lo... (Substack)
(Non-Substack link to follow.)