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Version 15 Version 16
EU referendum live: Brexit immigration plan would 'trash economy' EU referendum live: Europe 'would hit back at Vote Leave migration plan'
(35 minutes later)
4.21pm BST
16:21
Boris Johnson has also been arguing that cutting immigration would bring house prices down - an argument also used by his fellow Tory Brexiteer Chris Grayling in his Guardian interview today.
Here's Boris Johnson suggesting that pressure on house prices will reduce if the UK votes for Brexit. pic.twitter.com/mS8RwTyt6B
4.18pm BST
16:18
Boris Johnson is due to deliver a Vote Leave speech soon.
He has been travelling on the battlebus with journalists.
The press have been allowed on the Vote Leave bus. Boris, Gove & Priti are at the back - hidden from us by a curtain pic.twitter.com/ztxFY6Hr4b
4.07pm BST
16:07
Dutch PM says EU would retaliate and restrict access to British workers if UK adopts Vote Leave migration plan
Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, has told the BBC that if Britain were to implement the Vote Leave immigration plans, the EU would retaliate, restricting Britons’ access to the EU labour market. He said:
I was very much surprised by the Johnson/Gove proposals to make it harder for Europeans to work in the UK if Britain were to vote to leave the EU. I think it would be very bad news for the UK, for the Netherlands, for Europe as a whole, for two reasons.
First of all, take the Netherlands and the UK, we are both sea-faring nations. Our ability to create jobs, our future growth, is built on the free market. It’s built on open borders. And, secondly, it would be unavoidable, inevitable, for us and for many others in Europe to follow the same proposals, to implement a points-system also in the rest of the European Union. So you would get a race to the bottom. And that is exactly what you don’t want.
3.57pm BST
15:57
Boris Johnson was also interviewed by Joey Essex on the Vote Leave battlebus today.
As the Daily Mail reports, before the pair met Essex, a reality TV star, said he thought Johnson was “a bit nutty”.
As the
3.52pm BST3.52pm BST
15:5215:52
Here are some more tweets from the Boris Johnson visit.Here are some more tweets from the Boris Johnson visit.
From the Guardian’s Rowena MasonFrom the Guardian’s Rowena Mason
Boris Johnson told it looks like he is setting out his alternative vision for government. He says not -just options for any govt post BrexitBoris Johnson told it looks like he is setting out his alternative vision for government. He says not -just options for any govt post Brexit
From the Daily Mail’s John StevensFrom the Daily Mail’s John Stevens
Boris bus has been repainted "to help push 50million.uk website" #EUref pic.twitter.com/8J4mKkwfyLBoris bus has been repainted "to help push 50million.uk website" #EUref pic.twitter.com/8J4mKkwfyL
Vote Leave confirms Boris Johnson met Joey Essex on battle bus in Lancashire but no details of how they got onVote Leave confirms Boris Johnson met Joey Essex on battle bus in Lancashire but no details of how they got on
From the BBC’s Laura KuenssbergFrom the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg
Boris Johnson and Priti Patel on the road in NW today say it's 'absolute nonsense' that ending freedom of movt would harm the economyBoris Johnson and Priti Patel on the road in NW today say it's 'absolute nonsense' that ending freedom of movt would harm the economy
Clear Vote Leave are not promising or guaranteeing that immigration would fall if we leave the EU, but that it's 'likely'Clear Vote Leave are not promising or guaranteeing that immigration would fall if we leave the EU, but that it's 'likely'
Patel + Johnson seemed to struggle to contain smirks when I asked what they were up to, spelling out vision for alternative Tory govtPatel + Johnson seemed to struggle to contain smirks when I asked what they were up to, spelling out vision for alternative Tory govt
Johnson - 'Priti, why don't you answer that?'Johnson - 'Priti, why don't you answer that?'
3.42pm BST3.42pm BST
15:4215:42
The Centre for European Reform, a pro-European thinktank, has put out a statement criticising two aspects of Vote Leave’s immigration reform proposals.The Centre for European Reform, a pro-European thinktank, has put out a statement criticising two aspects of Vote Leave’s immigration reform proposals.
If the UK were to adopt this system, it would be impossible to negotiate access to the single market after a Brexit. But Vote Leave campaigners fail to spell this out to voters. They also fail to mention that if the UK goes down this path, the EU is likely to reciprocate in kind, meaning that those Britons who want to work and study in the EU would face new visa or permit requirements.If the UK were to adopt this system, it would be impossible to negotiate access to the single market after a Brexit. But Vote Leave campaigners fail to spell this out to voters. They also fail to mention that if the UK goes down this path, the EU is likely to reciprocate in kind, meaning that those Britons who want to work and study in the EU would face new visa or permit requirements.
Vote Leave have implied that the Bank of England estimates the impact of EU immigration on the wages of low-skilled workers as 2% - according to the Bank of England’s research, the effect is actually 0.77% (see 5th bar of the chart below). Tax rises and benefit cuts since 2010 have reduced the incomes of the poorest by far more than immigration.Vote Leave have implied that the Bank of England estimates the impact of EU immigration on the wages of low-skilled workers as 2% - according to the Bank of England’s research, the effect is actually 0.77% (see 5th bar of the chart below). Tax rises and benefit cuts since 2010 have reduced the incomes of the poorest by far more than immigration.
To illustrate the point the CER released this chart. It compares varies assessments of the impact of immigration on wages with the impact of the minimum wage and benefit cuts on wages.To illustrate the point the CER released this chart. It compares varies assessments of the impact of immigration on wages with the impact of the minimum wage and benefit cuts on wages.
3.22pm BST3.22pm BST
15:2215:22
You can tell we’re in a proper election campaign because we’re getting rebuttal to the rebuttal.You can tell we’re in a proper election campaign because we’re getting rebuttal to the rebuttal.
Here is Vote Leave’s Gisela Stuart, the Labour MP, responding to George Osborne responding to Vote Leave’s immigration proposal.Here is Vote Leave’s Gisela Stuart, the Labour MP, responding to George Osborne responding to Vote Leave’s immigration proposal.
The real fantasy politics is George Osborne’s commitment to reduce net migration to the tens of thousands while at the same time campaigning to remain in the EU.The real fantasy politics is George Osborne’s commitment to reduce net migration to the tens of thousands while at the same time campaigning to remain in the EU.
The reality for the British people if we stay in is that Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey - with a combined population of 88 million - will all soon join the EU. When they do, EU migration to the UK could increase by 5m.The reality for the British people if we stay in is that Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey - with a combined population of 88 million - will all soon join the EU. When they do, EU migration to the UK could increase by 5m.
2.51pm BST2.51pm BST
14:5114:51
Boris Johnson, the Conservative MP and former mayor of London, and Priti Patel, the employment minister, are on a Vote Leave tour this afternoon, visiting a clothing factory in Accrington.Boris Johnson, the Conservative MP and former mayor of London, and Priti Patel, the employment minister, are on a Vote Leave tour this afternoon, visiting a clothing factory in Accrington.
Boris Johnson at a uniform factory in Accrington; 'Are you stitching things up?' #EUref pic.twitter.com/QeRrJChiaNBoris Johnson at a uniform factory in Accrington; 'Are you stitching things up?' #EUref pic.twitter.com/QeRrJChiaN
Boris asks staff at clothing factory: "Who is remotely apprehensive about leaving?" Reassures them with: "Oh believe me, it will be fine."Boris asks staff at clothing factory: "Who is remotely apprehensive about leaving?" Reassures them with: "Oh believe me, it will be fine."
Boris Johnson repeats the claim that EU money is spent 'on Portuguese bullfighting for goodness sake!' (It isn't anymore) #EUrefBoris Johnson repeats the claim that EU money is spent 'on Portuguese bullfighting for goodness sake!' (It isn't anymore) #EUref
2.12pm BST2.12pm BST
14:1214:12
Lunchtime summaryLunchtime summary
Australia has more migration per head than we do here in the UK, so I think it’s the wrong approach.Australia has more migration per head than we do here in the UK, so I think it’s the wrong approach.
I also think if we were to say to Europeans they needed work permits to come to Britain, European countries would say to us we need work permits to go and work there. So not only would we trash our economy, we’d also reduce opportunities for people to work in other countries.I also think if we were to say to Europeans they needed work permits to come to Britain, European countries would say to us we need work permits to go and work there. So not only would we trash our economy, we’d also reduce opportunities for people to work in other countries.
On a visit to a logistics firm in Harlow, Essex, George Osborne, the chancellor, made a similar argument.On a visit to a logistics firm in Harlow, Essex, George Osborne, the chancellor, made a similar argument.
The prime minister has secured a deal that ends the something for nothing culture.The prime minister has secured a deal that ends the something for nothing culture.
What a contrast today between the Leave campaign with their fantasy politics, unworkable proposals that will increase immigration, take us out of the single market and cost us jobs, and the reality check in the real world of the highly respected OECD which points out the grim economic future for the UK outside the EU.What a contrast today between the Leave campaign with their fantasy politics, unworkable proposals that will increase immigration, take us out of the single market and cost us jobs, and the reality check in the real world of the highly respected OECD which points out the grim economic future for the UK outside the EU.
Full access to the single market is a large part of the UK’s attractiveness to foreign investors. Yet several federations report that European businesses are postponing their investment decisions in the UK until the political situation becomes clearer.Full access to the single market is a large part of the UK’s attractiveness to foreign investors. Yet several federations report that European businesses are postponing their investment decisions in the UK until the political situation becomes clearer.
A vote to leave the EU will only heighten the uncertainty around current and future investments as some tough negotiations will then begin.A vote to leave the EU will only heighten the uncertainty around current and future investments as some tough negotiations will then begin.
It is worth pointing out that because Britain is an island, because Britain is outside the Schengen zone but also because it has information sharing arrangements with EU partners, it still has one of the strongest borders of any country in Europe. That is a consensus view right across Europe.It is worth pointing out that because Britain is an island, because Britain is outside the Schengen zone but also because it has information sharing arrangements with EU partners, it still has one of the strongest borders of any country in Europe. That is a consensus view right across Europe.
1.48pm BST1.48pm BST
13:4813:48
The Leave campaign has attracted some surprise support today. In a column for the French paper Liberation, Jean Quatremer, its veteran Brussels correspondent, urges Britons to vote to leave the EU to save the federalist dream.The Leave campaign has attracted some surprise support today. In a column for the French paper Liberation, Jean Quatremer, its veteran Brussels correspondent, urges Britons to vote to leave the EU to save the federalist dream.
It’s really not in your best interest to leave the EU ... If you stay, you’ll rot our lives like never before: David Cameron will be the only European leader who was able to win a referendum on Europe and thus will regain a central role in the community game.It’s really not in your best interest to leave the EU ... If you stay, you’ll rot our lives like never before: David Cameron will be the only European leader who was able to win a referendum on Europe and thus will regain a central role in the community game.
The Berlaymonster blogger has translated some of it.The Berlaymonster blogger has translated some of it.
Hey Brits, you know what would REALLY annoy (French person) @quatremer ?https://t.co/wr24m7gS6b pic.twitter.com/HtlWv3IPGOHey Brits, you know what would REALLY annoy (French person) @quatremer ?https://t.co/wr24m7gS6b pic.twitter.com/HtlWv3IPGO
1.37pm BST1.37pm BST
13:3713:37
Anushka AsthanaAnushka Asthana
Emma Reynolds, the Labour MP who has been a shadow minister for housing and Europe, hit back at the Vote Leave proposals on immigration. “We would have immigration whether we leave the EU or not, and arguably we could have more illegal immigration. The idea that leaving the EU is some magic solution is frankly ridiculous.”She said that it wasn’t primarily migration that was putting pressure on housing but, for example, the fact that people were living longer and that family breakdown meant there was more demand. “There is pressure from immigration but it is by no means the main reason we have a housing crisis.”Emma Reynolds, the Labour MP who has been a shadow minister for housing and Europe, hit back at the Vote Leave proposals on immigration. “We would have immigration whether we leave the EU or not, and arguably we could have more illegal immigration. The idea that leaving the EU is some magic solution is frankly ridiculous.”She said that it wasn’t primarily migration that was putting pressure on housing but, for example, the fact that people were living longer and that family breakdown meant there was more demand. “There is pressure from immigration but it is by no means the main reason we have a housing crisis.”
1.33pm BST1.33pm BST
13:3313:33
Tom Watson, the Labour deputy leader, has just been on the World at One. He said he was “very concerned” about the figures showing many Labour supporters do not know where the party stands on EU membership, but that it was unfair to blame Jeremy Corbyn.Tom Watson, the Labour deputy leader, has just been on the World at One. He said he was “very concerned” about the figures showing many Labour supporters do not know where the party stands on EU membership, but that it was unfair to blame Jeremy Corbyn.
He also said that he personally would not share a platform with David Cameron to promote the Remain campaign, as Sadiq Khan did.He also said that he personally would not share a platform with David Cameron to promote the Remain campaign, as Sadiq Khan did.
Labour's Tom Watson says "very concerned" about apathy among Labour votes in EU referendum #watoLabour's Tom Watson says "very concerned" about apathy among Labour votes in EU referendum #wato
Tom Watson says criticism of @jeremycorbyn "very unfair" over EU referendum #watoTom Watson says criticism of @jeremycorbyn "very unfair" over EU referendum #wato
Tom Watson says he wd not share a platform with the PM or Chancellor in EU referendum #watoTom Watson says he wd not share a platform with the PM or Chancellor in EU referendum #wato
1.26pm BST1.26pm BST
13:2613:26
Here is some Twitter comment on the Vote Leave immigration proposals. (See 10.29am.)Here is some Twitter comment on the Vote Leave immigration proposals. (See 10.29am.)
From Andy Burnham, the shadow home secretaryFrom Andy Burnham, the shadow home secretary
Gove & Boris going full-on UKIP now. If we introduced a points-based system with EU, the terms of our trade deal with them would be ruinous.Gove & Boris going full-on UKIP now. If we introduced a points-based system with EU, the terms of our trade deal with them would be ruinous.
From Alan Travis, the Guadian’s home affairs editorFrom Alan Travis, the Guadian’s home affairs editor
Want an Australian-style immigration system? That'll be 484,000 new migrants a year and net migration of 187k in country 1/3rd size of UKWant an Australian-style immigration system? That'll be 484,000 new migrants a year and net migration of 187k in country 1/3rd size of UK
From Jonathan Portes, a former government economist and immigration expertFrom Jonathan Portes, a former government economist and immigration expert
Immigration policy post-Brexit. Five questions for @vote_leave -not addressed in their statement - coming upImmigration policy post-Brexit. Five questions for @vote_leave -not addressed in their statement - coming up
1/5 Would "tens of thousands" target be dropped? If not, non-EU migration will need to *fall* - contrary to other statements1/5 Would "tens of thousands" target be dropped? If not, non-EU migration will need to *fall* - contrary to other statements
2/5 If migrants admitted on basis of skill/quals, will Tier 2 quota be dropped? If not, system will still exclude qualified non-EU migrants.2/5 If migrants admitted on basis of skill/quals, will Tier 2 quota be dropped? If not, system will still exclude qualified non-EU migrants.
3/5 Will there be any migration for low/medium skilled or will employers/businesses simy have to adjust?3/5 Will there be any migration for low/medium skilled or will employers/businesses simy have to adjust?
4/5 Will system for spousal visas & family visas be liberalised (as some in @vote_leave have claimed). If so, how?4/5 Will system for spousal visas & family visas be liberalised (as some in @vote_leave have claimed). If so, how?
5/5 Will student visa policy be liberalised? If so, how?5/5 Will student visa policy be liberalised? If so, how?
From Andrew Lilico, chair of Economists for BritainFrom Andrew Lilico, chair of Economists for Britain
It's interesting how we've come to use the term "Australian points-based system" to mean "normal modern immigration controls".It's interesting how we've come to use the term "Australian points-based system" to mean "normal modern immigration controls".
From Pawel Swidlicki, a policy analyst at Open EuropeFrom Pawel Swidlicki, a policy analyst at Open Europe
Notice @vote_leave immigration statement doesn't explicitly promise not to introduce travel visas for EU nationals https://t.co/PXeTqTIQzPNotice @vote_leave immigration statement doesn't explicitly promise not to introduce travel visas for EU nationals https://t.co/PXeTqTIQzP
From Raoul Ruparal, co-director of Open EuropeFrom Raoul Ruparal, co-director of Open Europe
Canada & Australia w points based immigration systems had higher migration per capita than UK over past 15 yrs pic.twitter.com/LWH916ijrnCanada & Australia w points based immigration systems had higher migration per capita than UK over past 15 yrs pic.twitter.com/LWH916ijrn
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.00pm BSTat 2.00pm BST
1.21pm BST1.21pm BST
13:2113:21
Trump to visit UK day after EU referendumTrump to visit UK day after EU referendum
Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for US president, is visiting the UK the day after the EU referendum, it has been revealed.Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for US president, is visiting the UK the day after the EU referendum, it has been revealed.
Related: Donald Trump to visit UK on day of EU referendum resultRelated: Donald Trump to visit UK on day of EU referendum result
1.12pm BST1.12pm BST
13:1213:12
The Greens have attacked Vote Leave’s immigration proposals. (See 10.29am.) This is from the Green MEP Jean Lambert.The Greens have attacked Vote Leave’s immigration proposals. (See 10.29am.) This is from the Green MEP Jean Lambert.
Misleading statements about immigration are framing free movement as a problem in the EU referendum debate. The truth is that government cuts, and lack of planning and investment in housing, skills and public services are the real problems – not immigration. Michael Gove is a member of that government and has wholeheartedly supported such spending cuts. As mayor of London, Boris Johnson ran an administration which failed to deliver on social housing or rent controls.Misleading statements about immigration are framing free movement as a problem in the EU referendum debate. The truth is that government cuts, and lack of planning and investment in housing, skills and public services are the real problems – not immigration. Michael Gove is a member of that government and has wholeheartedly supported such spending cuts. As mayor of London, Boris Johnson ran an administration which failed to deliver on social housing or rent controls.
EU workers, like other migrant workers, make an important net contribution to our economy. They are our co-workers, our employers, our business associates, our neighbours, our friends, our family. They are contributors – not freeloaders.EU workers, like other migrant workers, make an important net contribution to our economy. They are our co-workers, our employers, our business associates, our neighbours, our friends, our family. They are contributors – not freeloaders.
1.02pm BST1.02pm BST
13:0213:02
My colleagues on Opinion (or Comment is Free, as we still think of it) are running a debate live blog looking at whether the EU referendum is the most abusive political campaign ever. It’s here.My colleagues on Opinion (or Comment is Free, as we still think of it) are running a debate live blog looking at whether the EU referendum is the most abusive political campaign ever. It’s here.
Related: EU debate: the most abusive political campaign ever in Britain? – liveRelated: EU debate: the most abusive political campaign ever in Britain? – live
They asked me for a contribution. This is what I sent them.They asked me for a contribution. This is what I sent them.
So, Jon Snow says he cannot recall a “worse-tempered or more abusive, more boring UK campaign” than the one we’re having at the moment about EU membership. He thinks it compares particularly unfavourably with Scotland’s independence referendum in 2014.So, Jon Snow says he cannot recall a “worse-tempered or more abusive, more boring UK campaign” than the one we’re having at the moment about EU membership. He thinks it compares particularly unfavourably with Scotland’s independence referendum in 2014.
Snow clearly did not spend much time on Twitter two years ago. The independence referendum was an uplifting exercise in democratic engagement, prompting a remarkable 85% turnout, but the debate was not all worthy of Cicero, social media got distinctly unpleasant and it culminating in a large crowd descending on the BBC’s HQ in Glasgow to demand the sacking of Nick Robinson for having the temerity to report something disobliging about Alex Salmond.Snow clearly did not spend much time on Twitter two years ago. The independence referendum was an uplifting exercise in democratic engagement, prompting a remarkable 85% turnout, but the debate was not all worthy of Cicero, social media got distinctly unpleasant and it culminating in a large crowd descending on the BBC’s HQ in Glasgow to demand the sacking of Nick Robinson for having the temerity to report something disobliging about Alex Salmond.
Even by the standards of a normal general election, the EU referendum campaign does not seem unduly abusive. That is because general elections are about choosing prime ministers, personality is inevitably a legitimate subject of debate and, as figures like Neil Kinnock, John Major and Gordon Brown can attest, vicious, media-driven character assassination is a familiar part of the electoral process. This contest is relatively free of that.Even by the standards of a normal general election, the EU referendum campaign does not seem unduly abusive. That is because general elections are about choosing prime ministers, personality is inevitably a legitimate subject of debate and, as figures like Neil Kinnock, John Major and Gordon Brown can attest, vicious, media-driven character assassination is a familiar part of the electoral process. This contest is relatively free of that.
But Snow has got a point about “the wholesale abuse of facts”. There is nothing unusual about politicians using facts selectively, and in this campaign both sides have been criticised for using misleading material, but the Leave camp, with their entirely bogus flagship claim about EU membership costing the UK £350m a week, seem to be setting a new precedent. It is almost as if they have looked at the success of Donald Trump, a one-man lie factory, and decided to road test quite how much dishonesty you can get away with in a British election. The results of the experiment, of course, remain to be seen.But Snow has got a point about “the wholesale abuse of facts”. There is nothing unusual about politicians using facts selectively, and in this campaign both sides have been criticised for using misleading material, but the Leave camp, with their entirely bogus flagship claim about EU membership costing the UK £350m a week, seem to be setting a new precedent. It is almost as if they have looked at the success of Donald Trump, a one-man lie factory, and decided to road test quite how much dishonesty you can get away with in a British election. The results of the experiment, of course, remain to be seen.
If you want to get involved in the debate, you can comment BTL here, but it would be better if you could comment BTL on the debate blog.If you want to get involved in the debate, you can comment BTL here, but it would be better if you could comment BTL on the debate blog.
12.50pm BST12.50pm BST
12:5012:50
Cable accuses Boris Johnson of presenting 'juvenile caricature' of single marketCable accuses Boris Johnson of presenting 'juvenile caricature' of single market
Sir Vince Cable, the former Lib Dem business secretary, has been giving a Remain speech in Bristol today on the importance of the single market. Here are the key points.Sir Vince Cable, the former Lib Dem business secretary, has been giving a Remain speech in Bristol today on the importance of the single market. Here are the key points.
The juvenile caricatures flowing from the pens of Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and others – the straight bananas, square strawberries and smaller condoms – aren’t just silly and fabricated; they miss the essential point that the single market reduces administrative barriers to trade. Any manufacturer knows that it is costly and inefficient to reproduce 28 versions of the same widget.The juvenile caricatures flowing from the pens of Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and others – the straight bananas, square strawberries and smaller condoms – aren’t just silly and fabricated; they miss the essential point that the single market reduces administrative barriers to trade. Any manufacturer knows that it is costly and inefficient to reproduce 28 versions of the same widget.
I saw the process of integration at work as secretary of state. When I talked to Siemens about their new investment making turbines for offshore wind in Hull they saw themselves as a European company operating within the single market.I saw the process of integration at work as secretary of state. When I talked to Siemens about their new investment making turbines for offshore wind in Hull they saw themselves as a European company operating within the single market.
When I talked to car companies about where they would build their next model- Nissan, General motors/Vauxhall, BMW/Mini, JLR or Ford making engines-a critical concern was their ability to be able to trade freely within the single market on common technical standards.When I talked to car companies about where they would build their next model- Nissan, General motors/Vauxhall, BMW/Mini, JLR or Ford making engines-a critical concern was their ability to be able to trade freely within the single market on common technical standards.
You might respond that “ trade in cars and aerospace is all well and good, but our economy is 80% services”. The are however very porous boundaries between manufacturing and services. Crucial to the success of manufacturing is good software, design, advertising and other creative industries.You might respond that “ trade in cars and aerospace is all well and good, but our economy is 80% services”. The are however very porous boundaries between manufacturing and services. Crucial to the success of manufacturing is good software, design, advertising and other creative industries.
The EU helps these industries by eliminating non-tariff barriers. So it means an engineer or an architect can get off the plane in Munich or MadridThe EU helps these industries by eliminating non-tariff barriers. So it means an engineer or an architect can get off the plane in Munich or Madrid
The next stage of development of the Single Market aims to bring down the remaining barriers to trade in services, energy and digital.The next stage of development of the Single Market aims to bring down the remaining barriers to trade in services, energy and digital.
We are sometimes told by the Brexiteers that if we left the EU we could have a bonfire of EU red tape. But there isn’t much left to burn. The evidence suggests that Britain has some of the least regulated product and labour markets in the world. And, of course, some regulation is essential to protect the environment, to protect consumers and to protect workers.We are sometimes told by the Brexiteers that if we left the EU we could have a bonfire of EU red tape. But there isn’t much left to burn. The evidence suggests that Britain has some of the least regulated product and labour markets in the world. And, of course, some regulation is essential to protect the environment, to protect consumers and to protect workers.
12.34pm BST12.34pm BST
12:3412:34
Vote Leave has responded to the today’s Brexit warning from the OECD. (See 11.06am.) This is from John Longworth, the former British Chambers of Commerce director general who is now chair of the Vote Leave Business Council.Vote Leave has responded to the today’s Brexit warning from the OECD. (See 11.06am.) This is from John Longworth, the former British Chambers of Commerce director general who is now chair of the Vote Leave Business Council.
The most important finding in today’s report is the acknowledgment that the UK economy will continue to grow after we vote to leave the EU.The most important finding in today’s report is the acknowledgment that the UK economy will continue to grow after we vote to leave the EU.
But this is a flawed report, that makes assumptions which have been roundly dismissed by senior economists.But this is a flawed report, that makes assumptions which have been roundly dismissed by senior economists.
Instead of listening to partisan advisory bodies, let’s look at what businesses are actually telling us: that the costly red tape and regulations emanating from Brussels are constraining their ability to innovate and create jobs. If we Vote Leave on 23 June, we can change that.Instead of listening to partisan advisory bodies, let’s look at what businesses are actually telling us: that the costly red tape and regulations emanating from Brussels are constraining their ability to innovate and create jobs. If we Vote Leave on 23 June, we can change that.
In notes to the press release containing Longworth’s statement Vote Leave cites, as evidence of that the OECD is making “assumptions which have been roundly dismissed by economists”, this Independent article by Ashoka Mody, a former director at the International Monetary Fund, saying UK trade would not be affected if Britain left the EU.In notes to the press release containing Longworth’s statement Vote Leave cites, as evidence of that the OECD is making “assumptions which have been roundly dismissed by economists”, this Independent article by Ashoka Mody, a former director at the International Monetary Fund, saying UK trade would not be affected if Britain left the EU.