‘The EU stands for corruption, nepotism, illegality and waste. Why would we reverse Brexit?’

A Big Issue reader takes a stand against the EU. What do you think?

No, thank EU 

I am intrigued that some people seem to think that the EU is some form of utopian nirvana and we must rejoin at the earliest juncture. Problems we have had since are much less to do with Brexit than our own inadequate governments and matters outside our control. The UK needed to be punished for having the temerity to leave and to ensure no other countries tried the same thing.  

Every couple of years  the EU audits itself and the results are always the same; corruption, nepotism, illegality and waste on an eye-watering scale. Hopefully one day the whole edifice will collapse  and citizens will no longer have to fund the tax-free salaries of the civil servants and politicians that keep the economies of Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg going. 

Christopher Richardson, Bristol 

Read more:

• We’re counting the cost of failing to prepare for a post-Brexit world
• ‘It feels like, as a country, we’ve shot ourselves in the foot with Brexit’
• Ten years after the Brexit vote, the divisions in UK society are deeper than ever 

Animal planet

The plight of all animals is  the plight of bees [Issue 1723]. If you’re worried about bees, start by taking honey and other animal products off your plate. Animal exploitation has no place in a sustainable world.

RE: Benedict Cumberbatch doc How to Live on Earth

@gimmeedaball

Although I truly appreciate documentaries like this, it is like preaching to the choir. Those causing the problems don’t watch them I’m afraid.

@engelien05

Rockets exploding, wars nobody asked for, celebrity space minute-trips, AI draining water resources… we can collectively recycle our rubbish, do the black-blue-brown bins for centuries and it still would be akin to a dart on an elephant when you consider the unchecked and destructive behaviours of a few billionaires who have all the wealth but little common sense when it comes to sustainability and this planet.

@maher.ems

Knowing that the powers-that-be view the mighty dollar as more important than species diversity, healthy habitats, clean air and water and nature’s incredible beauty chips a little more of my soul away with each passing day.

@sigridrgibson

Responses to: Bideford vendor Sam Oates unveils his art on our socials 

Sam is a great guy. Love his art, love that he is going well. x 

Angie Whitaker, Facebook 

You are brilliant Samo. Amazing guy. Keep on keeping on. xxxx 

Louise Krafchik, Facebook 

Me and my son have got to know Sam and Demi and they have become our friends. We have seen Sam at rock bottom, now it’s amazing seeing him rise to the top – he has worked so bloody hard to improve his life and we are so proud of you Sam! You are very talented.

Natalie Marie Griffiths, Facebook 

Sam was always nice whenever I saw him and spoke to me when my mental health was really awful on a few occasions. Used to walk my very old dog with his dog when she was a pup. Glad to see him doing better! 

Daisy Louise Everard 

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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