Rejoining the European Union would cost Andy Burnham billions, according to political commentator Jonathan Saxty. Writing in the Daily Express, Saxty argues that the Prime Minister's plan to reverse Brexit would make Labour's VAT charge on private schools illegal under EU rules, forcing the government to find billions elsewhere.
Brexit Benefits 'Not Maximised'
Saxty claims the entire case for rejoining is built on a fallacy, as neither Labour nor the Conservatives maximised the benefits of Brexit. He points to regulatory divergence as a key opportunity, arguing the UK can now remove and redesign EU-derived rules to boost productivity, innovation and competition.
According to Saxty, the UK can move faster than the EU in areas like AI, finance and healthcare, attracting companies to build businesses and create jobs. He also highlights tax freedom, noting that without EU state aid and harmonisation rules, Britain can use tax, subsidies and regulation to attract investment.
Farming, Fisheries and Procurement
The article notes that Brexit allows the UK to set its own agricultural subsidies, import tariffs and trade arrangements, potentially lowering tariffs on products Britain cannot efficiently produce while protecting domestic industries. Similarly, the UK can now determine its own fisheries management regime rather than operating under the EU Common Fisheries Policy.
Saxty suggests the government could use procurement and industrial policy more strategically, designing strategies around domestic capabilities such as semiconductors, defence, aerospace, nuclear and cyber. He also highlights London's status as a top finance centre, arguing the UK could diverge from EU regulation to attract fintech, asset management and insurance.
Energy, Universities and CANZUK
The article argues Brexit gave the UK more freedom over energy and industrial policy, allowing support for oil and gas, nuclear, wind, grid infrastructure, storage and hydrogen. Saxty also mentions CANZUK, a movement to bring together Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK, which he says could marry London's financial clout with the resource bases of Australia and Canada.
Saxty concludes that both Labour and the Tories did nothing to maximise the benefits of Brexit, leaving the UK stuck in a "semi detached hinterland," and calls for a government ready to take Brexit Britain forward rather than looking back to Brussels.
