Greens condemn Conservatives for failing at most basic requirements of government over Brexit negotiations
10 December 2020
- Molly Scott Cato: “With car plants closing, supermarkets stockpiling, and businesses unable to prepare for an unknown future the government is creating a totally unnecessary emergency”
Responding to the bleak news emerging from Brussels last night, former MEP and Green Party Brexit speaker Molly Scott Cato said:
“The UK government have totally misjudged this negotiation, preferring to believe their fantasies about sovereignty and Global Britain rather than understanding their partner’s negotiating position and seeking common ground.
“With car plants closing, supermarkets stockpiling, and businesses unable to prepare for an unknown future the government is creating a totally unnecessary emergency. It was their decision to refuse an extension period even in the face of the Covid pandemic, an ideologically motivated misjudgment of historic proportions.
“Many people voted for Brexit in the belief that things would only improve for them. But from 1st January those traveling to the EU will face the prohibitive cost of travel insurance for those with chronic health conditions, the need for a new driving licence and green card for drivers, and complication and expense if taking dogs, cats or other animals with them.
“These are all issues we raised during the referendum campaign more than four years ago and that Vote Leave campaigners who are now ministers dismissed as Project Fear.’
“In the middle of two desperate and unavoidable crises – Covid and climate – the Tories are creating a third that is entirely avoidable and failing at the most basic requirement of government: to ensure safety and security for their citizens.”
The Green Party’s position remains that we should seek to remain members of the EU single market and customs union, providing the best environment for business and continuing free movement for citizens.
ENDS