Britain's Brexit deal is acting as a "drag anchor" on the nation's economic recovery, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves has declared in a stark warning that resonates with growing public concern about the long-term consequences of leaving the European Union.
In an exclusive interview, the Labour frontbencher didn't mince words about the economic impact of the post-Brexit trade agreement, stating it has created significant barriers to growth at a time when the country desperately needs economic stability.
Public Opinion Mirrors Economic Concerns
New polling data reveals the British public largely shares Reeves' pessimistic assessment. A significant majority believe the Brexit deal will cause lasting damage to the UK economy, with only a small minority maintaining optimism about the long-term benefits.
The survey findings suggest a notable shift in public sentiment since the 2016 referendum, with economic realities appearing to outweigh political promises for many voters.
Labour's Economic Strategy
While stopping short of promising to rejoin the EU single market or customs union, Reeves emphasised that a future Labour government would seek to "make Brexit work" by pursuing a closer trading relationship with Europe.
"We cannot afford to have our economic potential hampered by a deal that isn't working for British businesses or consumers," Reeves stated, outlining her party's approach to renegotiating aspects of the current agreement.
The Shadow Chancellor pointed to specific sectors struggling with post-Brexit trade barriers, including manufacturing, agriculture, and financial services - all facing increased paperwork, customs delays, and regulatory hurdles.
Economic Reality Bites
Economic data appears to support these concerns, with multiple studies showing a decline in UK trade with EU countries compared to pre-Brexit levels. The services sector, particularly important to the British economy, has faced significant challenges in maintaining seamless operations across European markets.
Business leaders have increasingly voiced frustration about the additional costs and complexities of trading with Britain's largest market, with some companies relocating operations to EU countries to maintain competitive advantage.
As the political debate around Brexit's economic legacy intensifies, these polling results and high-level criticisms suggest the conversation about Britain's relationship with Europe is far from over.
