I know there are wonderful products in the EU, I love shopping in Belgium when I can visit. But it is good to see products here in the UK and fun to be the "grandma Marjorie" sending gifts to my Syrian families and their children. Plus I enjoying knitting for them. I also give trade to local traders as I buy their goods as gifts to the family. This is the case both from here in the UK and when visiting in host countries.
In those parcels that I send there is something extra that can never be measured in £€$ nor be taxed ...it is my LOVE .. when I knit every stitch has my love, my care and my hugs.
So I have to challenge this - what is a failure of the UK government to negotiate for exemption of tax when gifts to loved ones...and most certainly to refugee children rebuilding their lives. It would seem no thought or respect was given for UK citizens or EU nationals living in the UK that have family & friends in the EU. It is only natural to connect with gifts.. especially when the pandemic restrictions hinder travel to visit.
This is additionally frustrating for me as I never agreed with a referendum and when voting voted to remain. I felt stronger when travelling to be a British & European citizen. I feel we are stronger together especially with all the Global problems rearing for us to solve.
I had time outside UK parliament on Wednesday 22nd Sept 2021 and was shocked at some of the gov brexiteers minister's attitudes as they saw my placard.. not even attempting to understand my pain and others pain.. no offer to resolve the issues we are facing!
I had time in Europe House in London and felt respected, listened too and given contact details to discuss the issue.
Before July all parcels went through to my family in Belgium within a week no probs. Even when the family were in Eleonas Camp Athens 6 years ago..My parcels would get through with no hinderance. The Greek army & NGOs ensured Bushra got parcels from me..
Parcels are now caught in customs and a demand is sent by email & letter to the recipient. My recent parcel with PJs for Leen & Celine I sent with Hermes courier service to Belgium. I put my email for recipient email so I could monitor the situation and pay the customs.. the pjs £28 total incurred customs for 25€ ..I can't have Bushra stressed to pay this.. so I paid with my travelcard.
They have received the PJs now and feels good they are surrounded with my love while sleeping and playing at home all snug.
Leen collecting the parcel in Belgium Sept 2021.
And Leen below photo when a toddler in Eleonas Camp receiving a parcel from me the Greek Army given her .. the photo a blur as she was so excited to get a parcel..
See how important befriending is to show someone cares and can spread joy. Also as a Grandma myself I can be a reachout link for Leen' s Grandma..as I know she misses contact despite skype.
