“Most economic analyzes indicate that our GDP took a significant hit due to leaving the common market. The exact number and the impact on our exports to the EU and beyond can perhaps be debated, but no one can credibly claim that we marched to the sunny heights of sustained economic growth thanks to Brexit,” Rycroft wrote in a comment.
The former secretary further stated that the economic and migration promises of the Brexit supporters’ campaign were simply not fulfilled.
“The great promise of a comprehensive trade agreement with the US now seems an impossible dream. The cold wind is now blowing not only on the international trade order. The post-war certainties that underpinned our security as a nation are visibly crumbling,” continued Rycroft.
“With a bitter war on the European continent led by a revanchist Russia and with an increasingly withdrawn America, we must seek solidarity from our friends and neighbors in Europe in order to secure our defense. That dispute can be won. It’s time to start talking about a return. Maybe it’s time to knock on the door of the EU,” he added.
The position of an experienced civil servant with no party affiliation is in line with the growing opinion within the ruling Labor Party. Several government ministers are currently pushing for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to do more to join the country’s customs union or single European market. However, the government as a whole still prefers the establishment of strong relations with the EU over membership, and considers Rycroft’s proposed steps as a red line.
