What Has Brexit Done for Britain?

Brexit, Britain was promised, would allow the country to ‘take back control’ – of its economy, its borders and its land. But what has that really meant for people now living with its consequences?
It’s three years since the UK officially left the EU. For many of those who voted to leave in the 2016 referendum, it was in answer to a promise to take back control – of funding, over farming, over immigration and trade. But have those promises been kept?
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As leave voters’ Brexit regret rises, will political parties dare to follow?: Even leavers might be changing their minds, but there’s little incentive for opposition to revisit issue, say analysts »

What has Brexit done for Britain? In two words: Sod all! – © Mark Alexander

Welsh and Cornish Are the 'Purest Britons', Scientists Claim
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Natives from Wales and Cornwall could hold the title for the "purest" Britons, a scientific study suggests.

Scientists drew up a map of the British Isles revealing the genetic ancestry of people from different rural areas across the UK.

After extensive DNA surveying, they found that Welsh and Cornish people were among the most genetically distinct groups in the country.

One theory for the difference in their DNA is that they are a "relic" population, tracing their ancestry back to the tribes that colonised Britain after the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago.

Welsh genes proved to be similar to those of the French and Irish, suggesting they were connected to the pre-Roman population.

The Cornish were also shown to have a distinctive DNA make-up, different to those from the neighbouring county Devon. » | Harriet Cooke | Sunday, June 17, 2012

Christian Guesthouse Owners Lose Appeal over Ban on Gay Guests
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Two Christian guesthouse owners, Peter and Hazelmary Bull, who were ordered to pay damages after refusing to allow a gay couple to stay in a double room lost their appeal today.

The challenge by the Bulls, who run Chymorvah House in Marazion, Cornwall, was rejected by three judges in the Court of Appeal in London.

They had appealed against a conclusion by a judge at Bristol County Court that they acted unlawfully when they turned away Martyn Hall and his civil partner Steven Preddy in September 2008.

Judge Andrew Rutherford ruled in January last year that the Bulls had breached equality legislation and ordered them to pay the couple a total of £3,600 damages.

The appeal judges heard that the Bulls thought any sex outside marriage was a "sin", but denied they had discriminated against Mr Hall and Mr Preddy, from Bristol.

Today's ruling was given by Sir Andrew Morritt, Chancellor of the High Court, Lord Justice Hooper and Lady Justice Rafferty.

Mr Bull, 72, and Mrs Bull, who is in her late 60s, were not in court for the announcement. » | Friday, February 10, 2012

Muslim Call to Prayer Upsets Sleepy Villagers
THE TELEGRAPH: Sleepy residents of a quiet Cornish valley say their peace and quiet have been shattered by an early morning call to prayer for hundreds of Muslims who gathered in a holiday park for Persian New Year.

Around 700 Iranian Muslims arrived at Trevelgue holiday park, near Porth, on Saturday and have been praised by staff for their courtesy and good behaviour.

But some neighbours say they have grown weary of the party's call to prayer - or Adhan - that has been broadcast on loudspeakers three times daily - starting at 5.30am.

Neighbour Emma Brewer, 35, said the noise was too loud at the venue, better known for family holiday-makers and Run to the Sun car rally revellers than as a place of religious worship.

"It lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and it is rather loud," she said. "I'm a bit naffed off by it, to be honest."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said that she had complained to the local district council about the noise levels.

"It kicked off without warning," she said. "The first I knew of it I was awake because of it, at 5.34am on Monday morning. I didn't know what it was.

"I phoned the people that deal with noise on the council and the initial response is, 'we have to tread carefully, it's a sensitive issue'.

"I just thought, why, it's just noise. I mentioned to them that the council didn't have a problem silencing church bells." Muslim Call to Prayer Upsets Sleepy Villagers >>>

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