Lichfield’s MP has suggested Britain should “look to America” if it leaves the European Union.
Michael Fabricant’s comments came in an essay submitted to an Institute of Ecomonic Affairs contest.
The Brexit Prize will look for the best answer as to how the UK could leave the EU without damaging the country’s interests.
And Mr Fabricant – who co-wrote his entry with the Welsh Conservatives’ Chief of Staff Anthony Pickles – believes the solution may lie across the Atlantic.
“The most obvious trade partner with whom to sign a bilateral deal would be the United States of America, if not joining the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) altogether,” the essay said.
“Firstly, the USA accounts for around 25 per cent of world trade. The US economy dominated the world economy in the 20th Century and for the next 20–30 years at least shows little sign of waning.
“There is much talk of the rise of China and India economically, and whilst it is imperative that the UK increases both its imports and exports to India substantially from current levels, the United States remains the United Kingdom’s most important non-EU target market.
“The UK’s history, identity and culture is based on its global role. Since the UK came into being in 1707, it has always been outward looking and based on world trade.
“Forty years out of 306 years have been based on European policy and not global policy.
“Leaving the EU would allow a return to the UK’s natural state of being a world trader.”
The Lichfield MP also intends to raise some of the issues in a House of Commons debate on October 8, while judges for the Brexit Prize – including Lord Lawson and Ruth Lea – will choose 20 essays to go forward to the next stage in October.
“If we were to leave the EU, how would we make it work?” the Lichfield MP said. “I have always been an unashamedly pro USA Conservative for a very simple reason: namely they are our closest ally and trading partner and there is a true wealth of opportunity in developing the relationship further.
“I don’t for a moment expect to win the prize, but I do I want to put this type of thinking into the public arena – especially in light of the Syria vote and constant press questioning of the Special Relationship.”
