Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable MP and the party's Brexit Spokesperson Tom Brake MP have penned a joint letter to Theresa May offering Liberal Democrat support, if the government backs membership of the customs union. Writing to the Prime Minister, Mr Cable and Mr Brake said: "The government cannot have failed to notice that the EU remains by … Continue reading If govt backs customs union membership we will support them
Britain is stronger with the back-stop of EU law
In the face of further defeats on the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, and following further pressure from Peers across the House of Lords, the government has brought forward amendments to ensure that the UK still has the ability to refer to and apply EU guidance for legal matters in our courts going forwards. Commenting on the … Continue reading Britain is stronger with the back-stop of EU law
‘go whistle’ comment bilious buffoonery
Commenting on an NAO report confirming the cost of the Brexit 'divorce', Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesperson Tom Brake said: “Boris Johnson’s claim that the EU can ‘go whistle’ over a divorce bill looks, even by his standards, to be a piece of particularly bilious buffoonery. "The NAO have confirmed the cost of divorce, whilst likely to … Continue reading ‘go whistle’ comment bilious buffoonery
R&D industry in danger due to Brexit
Commenting on a Public Accounts Committee report on the threat of Brexit to research and development, Liberal Democrat education spokesperson and member of the Public Accounts Committee Layla Moran said: “Britain is one of the world leaders in research and development and Brexit is an increasing threat to the industry - both to funding and ensuring the … Continue reading R&D industry in danger due to Brexit
Export growth best to EU market
Today figures released by the government demonstrate both the growth and importance of the EU market to UK exporters. Key figures: Non-EU Exports for February 2018 were £13.7 billion. This was a decrease of £1 billion (7.0 per cent) on last month, and a decrease of £0.6 billion (4.1 per cent) compared with February 2017. … Continue reading Export growth best to EU market
Best for Britain poll shows appetite for vote
YouGov/ Best for Britain poll showing an increase in support for a vote on Brexit. Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesperson Tom Brake said: "Poll after poll demonstrates the growing public appetite for a vote on the final deal. "A significant proportion of the British population now support a vote, and it is patently clear … Continue reading Best for Britain poll shows appetite for vote
IoD report shows the value of the EU market
A survey released today by the Institute of Directors which shows that the EU has seen stronger growth as a market for UK exporters than either Asia or North America over the past two years. Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson Tom Brake, said: “At some point the government will have to stop ignoring the warning signs about their policy … Continue reading IoD report shows the value of the EU market
Newby: Government must prepare for defeats on Brexit Bill
Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords have thrown their weight behind a series of cross party amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill warning the government must expect to be defeated on a swathe of key issues. Dick Newby, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords, confirmed the party’s support … Continue reading Newby: Government must prepare for defeats on Brexit Bill
Theresa May admits there is no Brexit dividend
Responding to Theresa May's inability to confirm whether there would be a "Brexit dividend" this afternoon Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson, Tom Brake said: "The Brexit dividend is yet another piece of 'vote leave' nonsense touted by only the least credible leave supporters around the cabinet table. "Theresa May's refusal to even utter the phrase reveals that … Continue reading Theresa May admits there is no Brexit dividend
Tom Brake to Emily Thornberry: loose talk costs jobs
Responding to Emily Thornberry's "blah blah blah" Brexit vote remarks, Tom Brake, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Brexit, said: "Emily Thornberry needs to understand loose talk can cost jobs when she suggests Labour might vote for the deal. Their key test for backing Brexit, which requires the UK to secure the ‘exact same benefits as we … Continue reading Tom Brake to Emily Thornberry: loose talk costs jobs