A timely piece by Victoria Bateman:
“The free-trade
movement was born some two centuries ago in the very parts of Britain that
voted Brexit -- areas such as the cotton-mill towns surrounding Manchester. In
those days, the working classes helped lead the way to openness. Protectionism
was seen as something that benefited established elites, such as rich
landowners, and restricted opportunities for new businesses and their
employees. From the consumer’s viewpoint, protectionism meant higher prices for
basics such as food and clothing.”