LETTER: Woolly data
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Paul Brenton
Sir: If Adam Savill (letter, 14 January) is keen to eliminate woolly thinking from the debate concerning the UK's relationship with the European Union, he should take more care when presenting relevant data.
Official sources show that less than half of UK exports are sold in non- EU countries, not the 60 per cent that Mr Savill reports. For overseas investment, Mr Savill believes that 75 per cent goes outside of the EU. Investment figures vary greatly from year to year but over the five years prior to 1994, 56 per cent of overseas investment by UK companies went outside of the EU.
Lack of care with the figures leads to sloppy and possibly erroneous policy conclusions. For international trade it is clear that distance matters. Geography cannot be changed, whether you are for or against strong links with the European Union.
Yours faithfully,
Paul Brenton
Research Fellow
Centre for European Policy
Studies
Brussels
15 January
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments