Damaging deal

As we gear up to a December election, the first economic assessment of Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal has indicated the incredibly damaging impact it will have on the UK economy.

Research by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has revealed that GDP would be 3.5% lower in 10 years’ time under the deal, leaving the UK a staggering £70 billion worse off than had we remained in the EU.

This is not quite the “sunny uplands” the Brexiteers have repeatedly promised.

NIESR said approval of the Prime Minister’s deal “would reduce the risk of a disorderly outcome but eliminate the possibility of a closer trading relationship with the EU”. However, despite the agreement between the EU and the UK removing uncertainty, customs and regulatory barriers would “hinder goods and services trade with the continent leaving all regions of the United Kingdom worse off than they would be if the UK stayed in the EU.”

The report also found the proposed free trade deal with the EU was slightly worse for the economy than Theresa May’s deal of last year.

When voters mark their X in the box, these figures lay bare the economic future that faces the nation and the major impact that their choice will have.

Alex Orr, via email

Baffling vote

Just one question to Jim Tees (Letters, October 30): how can a ‘lifelong’ Labour voter even contemplate voting for the Tories? The carnage they are responsible for in recent years makes such a statement even more baffling. You may not like the leader but you surely have to have some basic principles.

M A, Glasgow

Backing a fireworks ban

I’M right behind all the recent calls to ban fireworks. Organised displays are one thing, but they shouldn’t be sold in shops.

P W, Glasgow