Express & Star

Article 50: Now the Brexit battle begins, says Pat McFadden

The 'phony' period between the referendum result and the reality of Brexit is over, Black Country MP Pat McFadden said today.

Published

The leading pro-EU politician said the outcome of the next two years of negotiations between Britain and the EU would have 'huge implications' for our country as Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50.

He said the focus now must be getting the best deal for Britons whether people voted leave or remain in last year's referendum.

The Wolverhampton South East MP said: "Today's the day that the phony period between the referendum result and the reality of the negotiations comes to an end.

"We now have two years, possibly longer, which will have huge implications for our economy, trading relations and possibly our constitutional relationships within the UK.

"The Government has set its goal as maintaining 'the exact same benefits' in terms of trade as we currently have whilst pulling out of the single market and customs union, ending free movement and not paying into the EU.

  • COMMENT: Remainers - stop protesting and accept the Brexit reality

  • MORE: PM says UK has 'huge opportunity' as Article 50 is triggered

  • MORE: Stop whining and look to the future, says Chief Whip Williamson

  • MORE: Dudley MP 'risked career suicide backing Brexit'

Jeremy Lefroy is on the Brexit select tommittee with Mr McFadden and Emma Reynolds

"All of us whether we voted leave or remain will now have to see if that test is met. I want a deal that is best for jobs, trade and investment."

Mr McFadden, a former Labour shadow Europe minister, also spoke about the importance of securing security and intelligence arrangements with the EU given Britain's leading role and in light of terrorism in Europe and the changing global landscape with Russia and the United States.

He said: "There is the issue of common security and democratic values. The UK plays an important defence and security role and it's very important that we continue to work with our allies to defend democracy and fight terrorism, whatever happens with Brexit.

"This is particularly true when we see terrorist attacks across Europe including in London last week and when we are seeing Russian aggression and a questioning of some of our collective security institutions from the Trump administration in the United States.

"We have to stand strong together against some of the problems we face."

Mr McFadden in part of the Brexit select committee which holds the Government to account over the exit from the EU.

Labour's Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds and Stafford Conservative MP Jeremy Lefroy are also members. It held a private meeting yesterday with some pro-Brexit Conservative MPs walking out saying the contents of a 155-page report was too 'gloomy'.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron repeated calls for another referendum on the terms of any Brexit deal.

He said: "As Tony Blair says, people should carry on campaigning – anyone who slams that doesn't understand democracy. But people also need a vehicle to change their mind."

He warned about Britain leaving the talks without a deal saying: "In London you'd have 10 per cent tariffs on financial services. Bankers are people too! And they contribute £65 billion a year in taxes to the Exchequer, so you won't get an adequate health or care sector, or even an Army with a hard Brexit."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.