Brexit has some advantages, No 10 says on anniversary

The prime minister believes Brexit has had some advantages, Downing Road has mentioned on the fifth anniversary of the UK leaving the European Union.

A No 10 spokesman pointed to freedom from EU laws, serving to to make the UK a extra aggressive monetary hub.

Nevertheless, he mentioned Sir Keir Starmer additionally wished “to make Brexit work higher for the British folks” and strengthen relations with Europe.

The Conservatives accused the federal government of being “decided to dismantle Brexit and drag us again into the EU’s grasp”.

However the Liberal Democrats criticised the Brexit deal struck by the Tories as “an utter catastrophe for our nation” and referred to as for shut ties with the EU.

The UK formally left the EU at 11:00 GMT – midnight in Brussels – on 31 January 2020, three-and-a-half years after the the 2016 referendum.

The federal government has marked the anniversary with little fanfare, with no official occasions to rejoice the event.

Requested why the PM had not mentioned something particular for the anniversary, Downing Road mentioned the federal government was “very a lot trying ahead”.

A Quantity 10 spokesman mentioned: “We all know we will do higher to make Brexit work for the British folks, that it is within the UK’s nationwide curiosity to have a extra co-operative relationship with the EU.

“They’re our largest buying and selling associate and our closest neighbour, and might be very important in serving to us to sort out ongoing threats to our safety, and that is why we’re working along with the EU to strengthen our partnership.”

Requested what advantages Brexit had introduced, he mentioned the UK was “not sure by EU procurement guidelines”.

“That may be a large profit for us, in addition to our freedom to adapt our monetary companies laws to make them extra suited to the UK market atmosphere, and that is enhanced London’s competitiveness as a monetary hub,” he added.

Since successful energy, Sir Keir, who backed remaining within the EU and as soon as supported a second referendum, has promised to “reset” relations with the 27 nation bloc and safe a greater cope with it.

Nevertheless, he has pressured the UK is not going to be rejoining the EU or the only market, which allows items, companies and other people to maneuver freely between member states who additionally apply many frequent guidelines and requirements.

The federal government has additionally pledged the UK is not going to rejoin the customs union – an settlement between EU nations to not cost taxes referred to as tariffs on issues coming from outdoors the bloc.

Over the weekend Sir Keir will host German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, earlier than attending a gathering of EU leaders in Brussels on Monday.

Conservative chief Kemi Badenoch referred to as Brexit “the best vote of confidence in our nation”, however mentioned there was “nonetheless much more to do”.

She mentioned a commerce cope with america could be a “Brexit alternative we have to take”.

Nigel Farage, one of many key figures behind the Brexit marketing campaign, mentioned it had been a hit constitutionally and by way of overseas coverage however admitted many who voted to depart would say “it has been an enormous disappointment”.

The Reform UK chief mentioned enormous numbers voted for Brexit to chop immigration however the figures had gone up, which he blamed on the earlier Conservative authorities.

He rejected the thought the general public had been misled about the advantages of Brexit, and claimed that if he had been in cost immigration would have gone down.

Former chief Brexit negotiator Lord Frost informed BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting Home Sir Keir wished to “inch us again into the orbit [of the bloc] by stealth”, with guidelines on meals requirements and different areas set in Brussels.

The Tory peer argued the present Brexit deal was working properly and it was not needed to begin “tearing bits of it up once more”.

Liberal Democrat chief Sir Ed Davey used the anniversary to reiterate his name for a UK-EU customs union deal, saying it will “unlock development, display British management and provides us the very best hand to play towards President Trump”.

Inexperienced MP Ellie Chowns additionally referred to as for the UK to rejoin the customs union and agree a youth mobility scheme with the bloc, which might make it simpler for younger folks to review and work within the EU.

She added that “full membership of the EU stays the most suitable choice for the UK” and mentioned her social gathering would pursue “a coverage to re-join as quickly because the political will is current”.

The complete interview with Lord Frost might be on BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting Home from 09:00 GMT on Sunday