Is 'No deal' now a strong possibility and will it damage the UK economy?
3 min read
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Exiting the European Union Tom Brake, asks MPs reading the first batch of 'No deal' impact papers, how they can support this option if they know it will weaken the UK economy and increase the cost of living.
It looks unlikely that the Chequers agreement will resolve all of the issues causing deadlock for the Government on Brexit. Rather than providing a breakthrough, its rejection has increased the prospects of a destructive No Deal Brexit.
But today, in a vain and desperate attempt to sell the public her failed Chequers agreement, the Prime Minister has finally decided to publish papers setting out the preparations that will be required, across several sectors, to manage a No Deal scenario.
When considering these papers, however, MPs should ask themselves two questions.
- Do you think there is strong possibility that the UK will secure No Deal with the EU?
- Do you now believe No Deal would be damaging to the UK economy?
If the answer to both these questions is ‘Yes’, then support for a final say on the deal is almost inevitable and would be highly logical.
For many of us, the truth is already unequivocally clear that there is no Brexit outcome that will not damage the economy and communities across the country. It is the poorest people who will be hit hardest by the consequences of leaving the Single Market and Customs Union. They will experience first-hand the rising cost of living and jobs drying up as businesses are forced to relocate abroad or suffer because of a loss of competitiveness, linked to new friction on the EU border.
But the debate has seen a key shift; polling is now showing that voters are realising that the Brexit they were promised will not materialise. Their concerns should not be ignored because of the result of a questionable campaign in 2016.
Therefore, is in not the duty of us all, particularly MPs, to fight to ensure the people have a say on their future? The country did not vote to leave at any cost, or in any circumstances, and it certainly did not vote to throw away as much as £350 million a week precipitated by a weakened economy.
Already many respected politicians, including the former Secretary of State for Education, the Member for Putney, Justine Greening, have joined this call. They know that the choice between a catastrophic Brexit No Deal and the rejected Chequers plan is no choice at all.
Now, as we move closer to the end of negotiations and the peril that lies ahead, it is time to stand up and be counted. So, I urge again, when MPs are considering these papers, they should ask themselves if that is the future they want for their constituents. If not, there is still time to back a final say for the people, and an opportunity to Exit from Brexit.
Tom Brake is the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Exiting the European Union & the MP for Carshalton and Wallington
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