Brexit – 10 Year Anniversary
On the 10 year anniversary of the Brexit Referendum vote, Liberal Democrat MP for West Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, Andrew George has made the following statement.
“I viewed the Brexit referendum as a test of UK self-confidence. In the event that our choice demonstrated a lack of confidence in ourselves. That we weren’t leaders in Europe, but rule-takers and a nation that felt we were being taken advantage of.
“That’s not to say that I believed there could be NO benefits for the UK from leaving the EU. For example, I acknowledged there was “potential” the UK could indeed “take back control” of the management of its fish stock and better protect our marine environment. However, even that hasn’t really materialised. Indeed, it’s worse. Now we’re outside the rooms where decisions are made and have less influence.
“However, I’ve looked hard for benefits. Clearly, all authoritative sources agree that the UK economy has suffered; it is 6-8% smaller than it would have been. Brexit has been a drag on UK trade and growth. It’s pushed up food prices, cut investment and therefore reduced job opportunities, especially for younger people, slowed wage growth, and made key markets, including for our fish exporters, harder to reach with significantly more red tape and regulation to traverse. All of this was spelled out at the time of the referendum, but it was spelled out by authoritative figures, and Brexit campaigners derided “experts” at the time.
“In looking for positives, I acknowledge we have got rid of the EU passport and can proudly use our new blue passports. There’s also more jingoism, many more Union Jacks adorning all manner of government press conferences and ministerial photo opportunities. It’s also stimulated “small boats” migration. Which ironically is something those who campaigned for Brexit now complain most bitterly about!
“Along with others, I successfully campaigned in the 1990s for Cornwall and Scilly to receive the highest level of EU aid, as we were amongst the poorest regions in the EU, and consistently ignored by Westminster. By 2000, we succeeded and were eligible for what was then known as Objective 1 funding and which resulted in key investments, including the Cornwall University and at Falmouth harbour. Brexit brought decades of support for Cornwall to a close. Promises by both the Conservatives and Labour that we’d receive the equivalent have proven to be hollow. We’re left cut adrift from those crucial investment funds, even though our relative poverty remains.
“Though I respect that Brexit was a decision taken with the heart rather than the head, I still cannot see how any of the promised benefits have materialised. It’s left us poorer and looking much weaker and less influential in the world.
“I don’t blame those who voted to leave. I respect their choice, their hopes and their desires. But I do blame those who led the Brexit campaign. Their lies, dog-whistling and divisive campaign techniques and their exploitation of a fear narrative have damaged the UK, from which it will take decades to recover, if indeed we ever do.”