From: Philip Bartey, Lower Wyke Green, Bradford.

It has become clear that Boris Johnson promoted Brexit as a means to get himself elected as Prime Minister. He achieved Brexit in name only, thereafter, leaving it adrift to flounder on the rocks.

Brexit required driving forward by committed leaders and politicians because the people voted for it. The Conservative party sadly had no interest in Brexit and played lip service to it.

We failed to exploit the global opportunities that are ripe for plucking. Worse still, the Conservative government left us post Brexit with all the EU rules and regulations in place. The only person in the Conservative party who courageously stood up to Brussels was Margaret Thatcher.

A Union flag and EU flag outside the Houses of Parliament. PIC: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

placeholder image — A Union flag and EU flag outside the Houses of Parliament. PIC: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

In business we have strict rules around declaring conflicts of interest requiring board members with an interest to absent themselves from the decision-making process. In government, this fundamental rule is flouted.

Politicians of all parties are in favour of joining the EU because they know when the UK electorate has voted them out, they can enjoy a lifetime as an unelected MEP enjoying a British and a European pension. This represents a gross and unchecked conflict of interest. Politicians should not be allowed anywhere near the decision-making process including how the UK deals with the EU. We need an independent body of business leaders with the experience required to negotiate trade deals around the world who have no interest in becoming unelected bureaucrats on fat salaries and pensions.

The world bank stated clearly that 85 per cent of world trade lays outside of the EU. Therefore the 80/20 rule in business applies. Why waste 80 per cent of your effort on a market representing only 15 per cent of world trade. It is commercial madness to do so.

The only party with the will and desire to see Brexit properly unleashed is Reform. The UK has much to gain from trading on the world stage.

As members of the EU, we were shackled and prevented from doing so. It is time for the UK and its leaders to wake up and grasp the opportunities that will lead to real growth for all our businesses, large and small. It is time overdue to unleash Brexit.