Rejoining the EU

Afzal Khan asserts that Brexit has been disastrous for young people, impacting their opportunities and causing a severe economic downturn, and asks for agreement on a closer relationship with the EU to positively impact young people.

Coleman criticized Jenkin for being selective with facts and pointed out that Poland and Spain grew faster than the UK last year.

Mr Jenkin argued that the UK economy has outperformed France and Germany since leaving the EU, highlighting increased employment in the financial services sector and stronger inward investment in the tech industry. He dismissed the notion that the EU has damaged the UK economy, citing specific economic growth figures. Mr Jenkin also pointed out that goods exports to non-EU countries have grown more than those to the EU, suggesting that the internal market is not as successful as often portrayed. Bernard Jenkin interrupted to ask the hon. Lady to give way. Jenkin challenged Harding's economic claims, arguing that the figures were projections and not factual. He pointed out that the UK has grown faster than its main EU competitors. Public opinion polls consistently show negativity towards EU control over various UK policy areas. Rejoining the EU would likely require a £30 billion annual contribution, equivalent to 0.5% of GDP, without Margaret Thatcher's rebate. The speaker questioned the government's approach, stating that to increase the 6% share of GDP in exports to the EU, they would have to regulate the other 94% of the British economy. He highlighted that trade with the rest of the world had grown by 85% without free trade deals, suggesting the UK should focus on expanding opportunities globally rather than being constrained by EU regulations. Asked the hon. Member to explain why the logic of joining the EU, as per Carney's logic for the UK, does not apply to Canada, despite 75% of its exports going to the US.

Carla Denyer highlighted the strong support in her constituency and nationally for rejoining the EU, citing a YouGov poll and a 61% national support rate. She noted a 4% long-run productivity loss and a cost of £208 million to the creative sector. Denyer mentioned the negative impacts on EU citizens' rights and on trade, work, and study opportunities. She emphasized the need for the Prime Minister to prioritize rejoining the EU to improve future prosperity and wellbeing.

Caroline Voaden discussed the consequences of Brexit, emphasizing the economic and social costs and the misleading promises made during the referendum campaign. She pointed out that the UK has lost significant EU funding and that trade deals with other countries are insufficient replacements for the benefits of EU membership.

Daniel Zeichner argued that rejoining the EU is necessary, highlighting the negative impacts of Brexit, such as increased bureaucracy and the loss of established mechanisms for dealing with shared problems. He noted the warmth and generosity from EU counterparts who want the UK back and the potential opportunities arising from EU reforms.

Danny Kruger argued that the UK's economic performance since Brexit has been better than that of the EU, citing the UK's prosperity in the AI sector and its divergence from EU regulations in areas like self-driving cars. He criticised the EU's regulatory system as holding back growth and emphasised the importance of a light-touch regulatory environment for economic success.

Deirdre Costigan points out that her constituents were misled during the Brexit referendum, citing the £350 million a week for the NHS and the increase in immigration, and asks whether the new national centre for information defence will protect constituents from foreign state influence.

She highlighted the devastating impact of Brexit on her constituency, mentioning the harm suffered by businesses and reduced opportunities for young people. She called for an objective look at what the country needs right now, supporting the Prime Minister's agenda of exploring rejoining the EU and increased devolution.

Brexit has been a failure with most people in his constituency worse off today than before 2016. He criticised false promises made by leave campaigners such as Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage, and Liam Fox. He argued that Britain needs to have a national conversation about rejoining the EU to ensure a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future.

The speaker requested the Minister to reiterate the Prime Minister's commitment to a visa waiver for touring artists and to consider the issue of cabotage at the summit on 20 November.

In the far north of Scotland, the EU provided funding for infrastructure such as harbours and roads. The loss of EU funding means fewer opportunities and potential depopulation, as young people may start to think about moving away.

Jayne Kirkham highlighted the positive impact of EU membership on Cornwall, mentioning support for the airport, trains, geothermal projects, and businesses. She emphasized the importance of the upcoming SPS agreement for farmers and fishers in Cornwall.

Jo Stevens highlighted that EU students contributed £83 million to the Welsh economy before Brexit, but new EU enrolments halved after losing home fee status. She argued that closer ties to the EU are essential for attracting EU students back to Welsh universities.

Ms Bird highlighted the divergent views between Scotland and other parts of the UK regarding EU membership, emphasizing that Scotland voted to remain while England and Wales voted to leave. She criticized the government's promises as false and noted the negative impacts of Brexit on Scotland's economy, youth, and agriculture. She argued that Scotland should have the democratic right to reconsider its future in the EU independently, suggesting that any mechanism for rejoining the EU should apply equally to an independent Scotland.

Laura Trott agrees with Vaughan's concerns, emphasizing the economic impacts of Brexit and the need for practical cooperation with European partners to tackle irregular migration and improve the asylum system.

A constituent who works in the Mini plant in Oxford, who initially supported Brexit, has now seen how the racist rhetoric is making his job feel precarious and would support rejoining the EU. This shows that workers, as well as business owners, are experiencing the negative impacts of Brexit.

Luke Charters discussed his constituents' views on the relationship with the EU, noting that many now regret voting to leave. He emphasised the need for pragmatism and cooperation on issues such as agrifood, energy, and immigration. Charters also mentioned holding a town hall to discuss the relationship with Europe.

Manuela Perteghella discussed the economic and political damage caused by Brexit, citing OBR estimates and research suggesting a 4% to 5.5% reduction in GDP. She highlighted the importance of rebuilding trust with European neighbours and reducing trade barriers, and proposed bold policies for young people and research.

Mr Wrigley intervened to raise concerns about the impact of Brexit on zoos, specifically mentioning the loss of the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement, which hinders the movement of breeding animals between zoos, leading to a risk of losing species.

Mike Wood argued that rejoining the European Union is not a simple process and that the United Kingdom would have to go through a full accession process as a new candidate country, which involves significant changes such as adopting the euro and joining the Schengen area. He also noted that public support for rejoining the EU would likely decrease if the UK lost its previous opt-outs and derogations, and that the UK would have to pay an annual membership fee estimated at £25 billion.

She argued that the promises made during the 2016 Brexit referendum have not been met, citing a £90 billion loss in tax revenue and a record level of net migration of nearly 1 million people. She emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change and the need for economic ties with the EU.

Brexit has weakened the UK economically and politically, and is damaging businesses, workers, and communities. The true cost of Brexit includes more paperwork, delays, and a missed opportunity for young people to work abroad. Paul Kohler urges the Prime Minister to approach the EU summit with a plan for a pragmatic road map to rebuild ties, including a youth mobility scheme and negotiations for a customs union and single market membership.

Perran Moon thanked constituents for signing a petition and reiterated the negative impacts of Brexit on Cornwall, including the loss of EU funding, increased competition for farmers, and new trade barriers for businesses. He also raised concerns about the 'Made in Europe' policy and urged the government to ensure an agreement remains a priority.

The Government's recent talk about rejoining the EU has been cautious, and the Prime Minister did not explicitly discuss rejoining the EU during his conference speech. The overwhelming economic evidence shows that Brexit has been a disaster, leading to lost opportunities and diminished growth. The Government's response to the petition was to restate their position of not rejoining the EU, which is disappointing. The MP asked for clarification on the government's stance regarding rejoining the EU, inquiring whether it is an ambition, an option, and how such a process would be considered if positively evaluated.

The MP noted that the debate reflects ongoing conversations among constituents, urging the Minister to acknowledge the continuous dialogue about the path forward following Brexit.

The MP emphasized the importance of a proper deliberative process to engage communities in shaping the future relationship with Europe and asked if the Minister would support such a methodology.

The shadow Minister is asked to clarify whether he has exclusive access to the terms for rejoining the EU, as his statements suggest.

Mr Arthur thanked the motion's mover for a balanced argument and discussed the challenges of rejoining the EU. He emphasized the need for honesty about Brexit's impacts and the importance of cross-party cooperation. He mentioned the difficulties faced by his constituents due to various factors including Brexit, and criticized the right-wing use of immigration as a political weapon during the Brexit debate. He argued for a cautious approach to realignment with the EU, focusing on incremental steps such as trade, defence, security, and student mobility. The hon. Member is asked whether he is doubting the intelligence and commitment of those who signed the petition to rejoin the EU.

Stella Creasy argues that the economic impact of Brexit has been negative, with eurozone countries outpacing the UK in real GDP per capita growth. She mentions the loss of real-time information for bio and food security alerts, the lack of access to Eurodac, and the 90-day rule impacting bands. Creasy also highlights the challenges of negotiating with the EU and the need for a new approach that seeks the consent of the British people. The hon. Gentleman is challenged on his lack of defence for the status quo and is questioned about the impact of the CPTPP on GDP growth compared to the negative effects of Brexit on businesses. The speaker proposed the re-establishment of the European Scrutiny Committee to facilitate parliamentary debate on the future relationship with Europe, suggesting the Minister consider the merits of this proposal.

Steve Race intervened to highlight the economic impact of Brexit on Exeter, particularly the decline in exports to the EU and the struggles of English language schools. He also mentioned the loss of participation in the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, affecting air ambulance missions.

Susan Murray acknowledged the petitioners and thanked those who signed it. She criticized the claims that Brexit would boost growth and control migration, pointing out that trade deals were not as easy as promised and that migration levels hit records. Murray highlighted the economic hit seen in productivity and trade, and the loss of EU arrangements for managing illegal arrivals. She urged the Minister to remove red lines that are holding back growth and listen to businesses and the British people.

Tulip Siddiq discusses the negative impact of Brexit on local businesses, citing the closure of a 30-year-old family business, a local bakery, and increased costs for flower sellers due to post-Brexit bureaucracy, and asks for recognition of the detrimental effects on high streets.

The shadow Minister's speech is met with incredulity, as it appears he has not had discussions with EU officials about the terms of rejoining. The EU has indicated that we would not be treated the same as other countries who left and rejoined. The speaker raised concerns about the potential delay in decision-making if public consultations required a general election or referendum, asking if there were opportunities for short-term changes to move the process forward.

Asked Paul Kohler a question.

Zubir Ahmed highlights that two thirds of his constituents in Glasgow South West recognise the negative impact of Brexit, noting that 20,000 jobs in Glasgow city depended on the EU and there is now an additional £250 on food bills, advocating for solidarity and a closer relationship with the EU.