You have a talent for missing the point, don't you, Pantglas
The 'subject' was introduced on this thread because, not one, but two
Leavers, said, in effect, that the description of 'the sick man of Europe' hadn't been used of Britain in the 70s. The person who introduced it produced evidence that the phrase had indeed been used to describe Britain in the 70s.
This was a perfectly appropriate use of this thread, IMO.
What you are doing is trying to start a discussion about why Britain was in that state and, it appears, how our recovery had nothing to do with EU membership. Which is an interesting topic which some of us would be happy to pursue. But it would be better on a new thread as it could get confusing on this one which already has several strands.
That's all. Nothing sinister, nor an attempt to shut you up.