Reform UK should recognise £90 billion Brexit damage

Scottish Liberal Democrat Europe spokesperson David Green has today (Tuesday 23rd June) said that Reform UK should use their first debate in the Scottish Parliament to recognise that Brexit is costing taxpayers across the country £90 billion every year.

Reform UK will lead their first debate in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 24th June, one day after the ten-year anniversary of the Brexit vote.

Estimates suggest Brexit costs the country £90 billion in lost tax revenue every year.

Liberal Democrats have unveiled plans for a new Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU. This would mean:

• The UK immediately beginning talks to rejoin the single market and customs union, boosting trade with Britain’s biggest market and tearing down barriers for businesses.
• Forging a new defence pact with our European allies underpinned by a new European Security Council to improve coordination of Europe’s rearmament.
• Rebuilding trust and economic ties with our partners in Europe, putting the UK on the path towards EU membership in the long-term.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP urged Reform UK to explain how they would fill the £90 billion blackhole without backing Liberal Democrat proposals.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Mr Green said:

"This is a perfect opportunity for Reform to recognise that their Brexit experiment has failed people across the country.

“The authors of that experiment, including Nigel Farage, are costing us £90 billion every year. This is money which is being taken away from nurses, doctors, teachers, patients and pupils.  

“If Malcolm Offord is the serious businessman he claims to be, he would be honest about this damage. He would also explain how he would kickstart growth and guarantee the UK’s security.

“Liberal Democrats have announced bold new plans for a Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU. It’s how we can cut the cost of living, give our children a better future and keep our country safe.

“Our plans would stop the chaos and end the crisis. If Reform don’t like them, they need to explain what they would do instead.”