Brexit Arms

[time4chocolate]

Not much else to say really 🍷🍷🍷

“By refusing an election, couldn't the EU just refuse 🤔”

For the love of god, I really hope so! 🙏

The story I saw on the news was just letting the apples drop from the tree.

Fair wages for workers isn’t the issue.

We have a NMW.

The issues occur because the customers aren’t prepared to pay a premium and even if they were, paying workers more to then spend on increased food prices is self defeating.

The offer of Three days of scrutiny was pathetic and shameful. But WA 2.0 is the only deal in town.

I don't understand why he doesn't get on with debating the bill. Yes, it will be amended, to remove some of the over-reach (fixing them political declaration in stone) and the references to deporting EU citizens. But the opposition don't have the numbers for a people's vote and probably not for a customs union either.

He's going to have to deal with the DUP somehow though - which is a much bigger problem.

The story I saw on the news was just letting the apples drop from the tree.

Yes, so presumably they’re beyond use by then

It ridiculous than UK democracy is subverted and its now foreign countries in the EU that determine if we have an election/referendum or whatever and when.

This is why we to leave the EU and regain sovereignty.

From the EUs pov any bad PR could be overcome by showing parliaments complete inaction and deliberate procrastination. After seeing the relief when BJ got his deal , I think the EU might be done too😉

Bear - I do geddit. So, right now you are saying that the EU workers that would have picked these crops haven't come to pick them because of the Brexit, that hasn't happened yet? This may be true. Or not.

So, lets make sure that next year none of these crops are wasted. My own view is that the Govt needs to buy up any 'surplus' crops that remain unsold, for the 'export nett of costs' price and distribute it as 'canned' goods amongst UK Charities.

“We have a NMW” yes, we do, yet....

www.fwi.co.uk/news/shocking-extent-of-modern-slavery-in-agriculture-revealed

I'm agreeing with you Bear. Unexpected, I know

X-post - but you can make cider and vinegar out of dropped apples. Or feed livestock, or make compost.

“In many cases, abused workers are being paid less than National Living Wage rates (£7.83/hr for workers aged 25 and above), especially when deductions are made for accommodation and/or transport.”

Quote from the link above.

@HateIsNotGood , I actually spent about 30 seconds wondering if I could get down to Kent.
Compost making, dehydrating, pressure canning, apple butter : I was fantasy scrumping.

My own view is that the Govt needs to buy up any 'surplus' crops that remain unsold, for the 'export nett of costs' price and distribute it as 'canned' goods amongst UK Charities.

And the money for that comes from where?

Personally, I would rather pay more for apples, than turn a blind eye to that kind of awful abuse of migrant workers.

I suppose it’s no different really, to fair trade, being against palm oil etc...

Who would pay for this collection, storage and distribution?

I think the exploitation of non-UK workers is the very problem behind our agri-industry. There has to be recognition that UK working rights need to be adhered to in respect of 'seasonal harvesting'. Yes, temporarily staying in a bunkhouse working long days/nights should be acceptable, as well as being paid a good Living Wage for doing so.

Equally acceptable should be that where 'seasonal' gaps in the UK harvesting workforce is evident, then it should be easy to obtain non-UK seasonal workers, provided they each receive the NMW, with any Agency Fees paid additionally.

but you can make cider and vinegar out of dropped apples. Or feed livestock, or make compost

But that takes time and money - if it’s not what the crops were intended for and you don’t have the resources to do it then it’s unlikely to be financially viable.

bellini . The other day, I came across 2 gigantic parasol mushrooms. Made 2 meals out of them. Delish.

I think the exploitation of non-UK workers is the very problem behind our agri-industry.

How do you reach the conclusion they were exploited if they’ve made the decision not to do it this year - hence the problem?

“How do you reach the conclusion they were exploited if they’ve made the decision not to do it this year - hence the problem?”

Did you read that link I posted Bear?

@HateIsNotGood , I have a pal who does this too. I'm too chicken to forage for mushrooms. Very impressive.

Bear the financial viability of it may be a very valid query, but then how many extra dineros do people drop on purchasing 'artisan' products. Is every cost and every action to be determined in cost effective terms?

I think that 'financial viability' is a very skewed perspective. Is it really cheaper to transport a workforce (cost+carbon) to a location to pick crops (small financial cost vs high worker exploitation cost), and if exported, more cost+carbon?

That overall seems a very expensive, environmentally costly and exploitative way of dealing with home-grown crops.

Yes I did epic and I still question why they were prepared to do it before but aren’t now?

Working long days in the season is to be expected, whatever your nationality.

What has made people stay away this year?

Bellini - although I've done it on and off for years, I still triple check all the various 'identifications' as it can be a dodgy business.

Fried in butter - salt and pepper.