A Liberal Democrat councillor has warned of the impact Brexit could have on the economy in Lichfield and Burntwood.
Paul Ray made his comments following Theresa May’s recent speech on the UK’s departure from the European Union.
The Prime Minister outlined plans for an interim trade agreement, but Cllr Ray – who also stood in the last two General Elections in the Lichfield constituency – said the picture was still not clear enough.
“Brexit risks causing serious damage to our economy – and our economy here in Lichfield and Burntwood,” he said. “Prices are rising, EU nationals are not staying in the UK which is impacting massively on NHS recruitment, international investment in the UK is slowing.
“And don’t take my word for this. These concerns were highlighted recently by a major local employer, Toyota.
“Toyota employ over 3,000 people at their Burnaston plant just up the road on the other side of Burton. Britain’s car industry is increasingly anxious that its exports could face tariffs and other barriers after 2019 – and Toyota Burnaston export 80% of their production and most of that into Europe.
“The Government’s strategy is totally unclear. Their policy seems to be stay in the Single Market and Customs Union, possibly, or to leave, maybe. Or maybe to stay in for a bit, and then leave.”
Cllr Ray said it was also crucial that the public and not politicians have the final say on Brexit.
“As a Liberal Democrat I say that we must remain in the Single Market and Customs Union,” he said.
“But more importantly I say that the final decision on the deal the UK Government agrees with the EU should be made by the people in a second referendum on the facts of Brexit.
“Do we accept that deal or reject it? That has to be a matter for the country and not the Government.”
