Stepping Closer to Europe

In a recent speech to fellow Liberal Democrats, Ben Oakley said: “The Conservatives’ and Boris Johnson’s disastrous Brexit deal did terrible damage to both the UK's economy and our reputation in the EU. European partners were optimistic about the more constructive approach promised by Labour in government - but what they've seen has fallen far short of their expectations. As a result, they no longer believe London when they hear there will be a ‘new initiative’.

It's hardly a secret that no single country can touch the USA and China in terms of economic might and technological advancement, which means that Europe can only be in the big leagues if it marshals collective continental wealth with strategically focused investment.

Britain can choose to be a partner in that project or accept a role as adjunct. Our power has been neutered by the Brexit cult of “sovereignty” that sees regulatory harmonisation with Europe as colonisation but welcomes subordination to US tech giants and industrial lobbies, which it calls free trade.

Labour, Conservatives and, especially, Reform are not grappling with this predicament, which requires an honest audit of the exorbitant costs and negligible benefits of life outside the EU.

Liberal Democrats have spelled out how the Government can go faster and further to forge a deeper relationship with the EU that delivers the economic and physical security we all need.

That process needs to start with agreeing a new UK-EU Customs Union. This would cut red tape for British businesses and get the economy moving faster. It would be the first, vital step in rebuilding economic ties with our biggest trading partner, and is projected to benefit the UK economy by £15 billion per year.”

Ben concluded by saying: “Our vision of the UK again becoming a full member of the EU is, perhaps, 10 years away. Rejoining would be a complex process, but we can do things now that move our country in the right direction.”