Governments must acknowledge the fundamental reality that migrant workers don’t take jobs and benefits, but fill in essential labour needs

Health systems in the UK have a long standing dependency on international staff, and over the decades this has tended to intensify at times of shortage. Today is no exception, but this period of shortfall coincides with departure from the European Union (EU)—causing rapid, and at times, concerning changes in patterns of recruitment.

At gas stations, there’s fuel rationing and hours-long lineups. At the supermarket, there’s sometimes no milk or meat, and warnings that Christmas turkeys may be unavailable – along with Christmas trees and many popular toys. Building materials are so scarce that construction sites have shut down.

The negotiations which will set our relationship with our closest neighbours for the next generation are being rushed in a reckless game of chicken.

Everyone is fishing in the same pond. Stocks built up in readiness for Brexit are having to be replenished. If another pandemic strikes, we’ll hardly be in the best position to get through it.

If Boris Johnson really wants to solve the nursing crisis, he should keep the doors open to EU workers.