Read on Twitter
How the pro-EU, anti-UK media spins. A classic example in The Observer @ObserverUK today
Point by point, here's why it's pure PR
1. First line: "Hundreds of UK companies *could* switch operations to countries inside the EU". Note use of "could" https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jan/30/uk-firms-plan-to-shift-across-channel-after-brexit-chaos
Point by point, here's why it's pure PR
1. First line: "Hundreds of UK companies *could* switch operations to countries inside the EU". Note use of "could" https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jan/30/uk-firms-plan-to-shift-across-channel-after-brexit-chaos
2. The businesses were “making enquiries” – not actually leaving the UK. Sending an email isn’t the same as leaving
3. These “enquiries” were about “setting up branches, depots or warehouses”. So a British company expanding into the EU, but not moving there, also counts
3. These “enquiries” were about “setting up branches, depots or warehouses”. So a British company expanding into the EU, but not moving there, also counts
4. First warning: “The figures have been compiled by government unit the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency”. NFIA is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs... who are currently lobbying to attract UK businesses to Holland
5. The 2nd source = Austrian Business Agency. ABA is the national investment promotion company of the Republic of Austria. Both NFIA & ABA have vested economic interests in attracting business away from the UK & offer incentives such as tax breaks
7. Here is the killer line: “The Netherlands – like Austria – is offering a range of financial incentives to UK firms and expat workers”. This is blatant: it's foreign governments directly lobbying for British business in British media
CONCLUSION: This is state-funded, financial enticement, with pro-EU, anti-British media being foreign government's PR wing
This is lobbying journalism on behalf of pro-EU, overseas governments. Scrutinise what you read in The Observer! /ENDS
This is lobbying journalism on behalf of pro-EU, overseas governments. Scrutinise what you read in The Observer! /ENDS
