Complete tosh.
I have never backed protectionism. I am in favour of a level playing-field. The last time I expressed a view on the subject, the pilots in question were Australian nationals. I dropped my protests when I heard that they were also EU citizens.
Britain accepts pilots from all over the place coming here to work. Provided there is true reciprocity, I have no problem with that.
In this case, the rules are being manipulated by the Italian authorities in direct contravention of EU Law.
An apology will be gratefully accepted.