It's Time to Rejoin the Single Market - reflections by H&H PPC Katie Mansfield

One of the things I hear most often from people in Hampstead and Highgate is concern about the cost of living. Whether it’s the increases in food prices, growing household bills or the wider state of the economy, people feel that Britain simply isn’t performing as well as it should.

I believe Brexit is a key part of that story.

Approximately 75% of Hampstead and Highgate voted to remain in the European Union. Our area is proudly international, outward-looking and connected to the wider world. Here, many feared that leaving the EU would make trade more difficult, reduce opportunities for young people and leave the country poorer.

Sadly, many of those concerns have proved well-founded.

The Conservatives’ Brexit deal has increased red tape for businesses, making it harder to trade with our largest market and contributed to slower economic growth. At a time when families are already struggling with increased prices and the cost of living, these restrictions have come at a significant price.

That’s why I strongly support the Liberal Democrats’ call for a bold new deal with Europe, including UK membership of the Single Market and Customs Union.

This isn’t about reopening old divisions or reliving the arguments of 2016. It’s about recognising that, ten years on, things have changed and we need to take practical steps to improve people’s lives. A closer relationship with Europe would help businesses grow, reduce the unnecessary barriers to trade that increase prices and support the economic growth we need to improve living standards.

In an increasingly volatile world, closer cooperation with our European neighbours on defence and security simply makes sense.

The Liberal Democrats have been consistent in arguing that Brexit has damaged the UK economy and that we need a better relationship with Europe. I agree. Rejoining the Single Market and Customs Union would be the single biggest step we could take right now to repair that damage and improve our economy.

For me, this isn’t about looking backwards. It’s about giving our country the best possible future.

That’s why I support rebuilding our relationship with Europe and why I believe the Government should begin negotiations on a new UK-EU deal without delay.