Torsten Bell’s opinion piece is compelling and, as always, well argued (“Why be a poor version of Germany instead of doing what we do best?”, Comment). It worries me, however, that he seems to rule out the wider development of the manufacturing sector. Surely a lesson learned from the pandemic is that the UK, indeed the west in general, has “outsourced” too much of its manufacturing to China and Asia.
By all means let’s follow Mr Bell’s war cry and concentrate on those parts of the economy at which we excel. But let us also develop a manufacturing sector that could deliver good jobs, and a viable pay packet for those working poor who are struggling to survive in the gig economy, not to mention opening up apprenticeships for young people who do not fancy college or university. Let’s incentivise entrepreneurs who are prepared to set up small factories with tax breaks and financial support to recruit and train a new labour force, including apprentices.
Barrington Carpenter
Herstmonceux, Hailsham, East Sussex
