Brexit ‘a big success already!’ – Minister defends leaving EU in robust radio slap down

Brexit: Treasury chief calls EU exit a 'big success'

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The Treasury Chief Secretary was placed on the spot by LBC presenter Nick Ferrari but managed to mount a spirited defence of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union. Simon Clarke listed examples of how Brexit had already been a “big success,” including ending free movement and the vaccine rollout. The UK marks the second anniversary of quitting the bloc on Monday.

Mr Clarke told LBC: “We were told by Labour, by all of those people who opposed our decision to respect the referendum result that Brexit would be a disaster for this country.

“In reality, it’s allowed quicker vaccination, it’s allowed us to scrap free movement it has allowed us to begin free trade negotiations.

“It’s allowed us to get rid of a load of red tape, it has been a big success already.

“And I’m confident it will be a much bigger success in the years to come as we continue to deepen our diversion.

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Mr Ferrari pressed: “You do note the pressures at Dover docks, you’re not ignoring those?”

The Minister replied: “Look, there was always a balance of advantage and disadvantage to leaving the European Union and there were always going to be some challenges.

“But the net effect I am absolutely clear has been positive and that this new legislation we’re bringing forward today will allow us to go further.”

It comes as the UK Government launched a new “Brexit Freedoms” Bill as part of a drive it claims will “cut £1 billion of red tape” for businesses.

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The Brexit Freedoms Bill announced on Monday will affect the handling of retained EU law – Brussels-made regulations which were preserved in the UK statute book for legal continuity after the transition period ended in 2020.

The Government has previously made clear that it intends to eventually amend, replace or repeal all of the retained law that it deems “not right for the UK”.

But Downing Street said that under current rules, changing or scrapping regulations in the pipeline of outdated legislation would take “several years” because of a long-winded alteration process.

It said the new legislation will “ensure that changes can be made more easily”, so the UK can “capitalise on Brexit freedoms more quickly”.

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Mr Johnson said: “Getting Brexit done two years ago today was a truly historic moment and the start of an exciting new chapter for our country.

“We have made huge strides since then to capitalise on our newfound freedoms and restore the UK’s status as a sovereign, independent country that can determine its own future.

“The plans we have set out today will further unleash the benefits of Brexit and ensure that businesses can spend more of their money investing, innovating, and creating jobs.

“Our new Brexit Freedoms Bill will end the special status of EU law in our legal framework and ensure that we can more easily amend or remove outdated EU law in future”.

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