Euro candidate fails to see Brexit advantages

A EUROPEAN Election candidate believes that no Brexit scenario will benefit the UK.

Richard Ashworth, who is standing for the new Remainbacking party Change UK made the warning in a speech earlier this week in Canterbury.

The candidate for the South East of England in the European Parliamentary elections next Thursday said: “Three years ago, no one told the people what they were voting for, partly because the leavers couldn't agree among themselves what Brexit meant, and partly because there was never a manifesto.

“Ever since that time, all the people have had are empty promises. The leavers promised ... there was ‘ no downside to Brexit’ ‘easiest trade deal in history’ ... ‘ all the cards in our hands’ and a Brexit dividend of £350 million a week for the NHS.

“The Prime Minister promised: ‘Frictionless, borderless, continuity of trade with the European Single market’. Even though her red lines said ‘no customs union’.

“Either way, there is no Brexit scenario that benefits the UK. In all cases not only would the country be worse off, but we as individuals will be worse off too. That's not just my opinion... all economic forecasts ... CBI, IMF and even the government’s own impact assessment gave that warning.

“It is perfectly obvious the government cannot deliver the promises it made. It is clear that the government has lost the trust of the people; and it's clear the nation is divided like never before.”

Mr Ashworth was a Conservative MEP for more than 14 years until he was expelled from the Conservative Party for voting against a technical vote in the European Parliament on progress on Brexit. He then joined the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) bloc on the parliament and Change UK in March this year.

The Brexit Party is to hold a rally in Frimley on Sunday.

Taking place at Lakeside Country Club from 5pm, the two-hour event will give the party a chance to share its views with supporters.

Places need to be booked online and cost £2.50 each.

For more details, log on to thebrexitparty.org

A public meeting featuring several South East candidates will take place in Earley on Monday night.

The Van Emden Theatre in the Edith Morley Building at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus is to be the venue for the event, which runs from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Confirmed speakers are Richard Ashworth (ChangeUK); Catherine Bearder (Liberal Democrats); John Howarth (Labour); and Elise Benjamin (Green Party).

The aim of the evening is to explore issues relating to the European Elections.

All candidates are Remainers and information from the organisers states: “Britain is definitely in the EU until October. We hope to stay in for the long term.

“This is your opportunity to ask our candidates how they will work constructively with Europe, to build laws that generate prosperity, keep us healthy, and safe.”

Places are free, but should be booked in advance.

For more details, log on to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/whoshould-represent-britain-ineurope-tickets-61502246876