WHAT has happened on Teesside is a manifestation of an incongruity that has dominated British society for well over a century: on the one hand, workers and scientists who are second to none – world-beaters in fact; on the other, politicians and managers who are too weak, confused and compromised to afford workers and scientists the investment and direction they need and deserve.

A prime example of this is the utterly supine and discreditable way British industries (including state-subsidised ones) and the fruits of British research and technical prowess have been handed on a plate to foreign owners.

Owners all too predictably quit when the first adverse wind blows (after the inevitable asset-stripping exercise) leaving British people and genuine British interests in the lurch.

It is a trend that will have to be reversed if we are to stand any chance of recovering our national independence and integrity.

Tony Kelly, Crook.