The letter has been published ahead of five days of Parliamentary debate on the issue before a final vote next Tuesday. It warns the UK’s international standing will weaken and claims London’s economy will be damaged without “frictionless” access to the Single Market as a result of the agreement.
“Under the Government’s proposals we only have a customs arrangement that relates to goods, not services,” said Gapes, who claims services represent 80% of the UK’s economy and barriers will cause more problems.
The Ilford South representative stressed the UK needs to stay as close as possible to the single market and customs union to protect its financial health, which may mean abiding by EU regulations.
“We will lose our voice, our seat and our vote within the EU institutions but still be bound by their rules,” he said.
The letter says freedom of movement would be hindered under the agreement which many businesses, as well as the NHS and farming sector, rely on for their workforce. Our national security, environmental protection rights and ability to live or study abroad may also be hurt.
It is the Labour politician’s response to more than 1,000 emails and letters he has received from constituents concerned about Brexit.
“All decisions I make in relation to Brexit or any other policy matter are done in the best interests of citizens and businesses in Ilford, London, and our country. I will not support anything that makes my constituency, our city, or our country poorer.” pic.twitter.com/cB73kZ77cO
— Mike Gapes (@MikeGapes) November 30, 2018
Today, he is calling on the Prime Minister to release the legal advice she has received in regards to her Brexit plan. He asked whether the Backstop can be changed and if so by what process. It ensures Northern Ireland will continue to have an open border even if the UK leaves without a deal.
The PM said the information is confidential, however.
Gapes claims one fundamental problem was triggering Article 50 before the Government had even agreed on its own stance. This started the “clock ticking” and unless Parliament intervenes the country is going to “crash out” of the EU, according to the MP.
“The government themselves say this would be an economic disaster for our country,” he added.
Gapes is also worried that while there are 585 pages dealing with the withdrawal, there are only 26 that focus on the UK’s future relationship with the EU. The Labour politician described these as “sketchy” and “inadequate,” arguing they only set out aspirations for further cooperation.
He will vote against the deal and supports another referendum, claiming we still need “informed consent” from the people now that the implications of leaving are clearer.
Tags: Ilford, Brexit, Ilford South
