Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Alex Burghart, has criticised Labour's decision to reopen the Brexit debate a decade on from the referendum, describing it as an "absurd decision" that will "distract and divide" people.
Writing in an opinion piece, Burghart argued that serious governments face challenges and make hard choices in the national interest, while unserious governments dodge big decisions and try to distract and divide people. He placed Labour's move in this latter category.
Labour's Push for Closer EU Ties
Burghart pointed to Rachel Reeves joining a chorus of left-wingers demanding closer ties to the EU, going as far as to call for rejoining outright. He suggested her "disastrous legacy as Chancellor" would lead many to take her advice with a pinch of salt.
The Tory MP also addressed Andy Burnham's position, stating that Burnham came to power with no plan and, as a result, has no answers for the state of the economy and public finances, reaching for any kind of distraction he can find, settling on Brexit.
Financial and Border Costs of Rejoining
Burghart argued that Labour speaks as if rejoining the EU will solve all problems, but there would be a huge financial cost to re-enter the bloc, and control of borders would have to be handed back to Brussels.
He asserted that Brexit is not the reason for the soaring welfare bill, crippling taxes, and out-of-control borrowing, which he said Labour could take action to resolve. At the Budget last week, Chancellor John Healey chose not to.
Conservatives' Alternative Plan
Burghart outlined an alternative, stating that at the next election the choice will be between a Labour Party that will tax more to pay out more in benefits while maxing out the nation's credit card, and a Conservative Party with a plan to make £70 billion of savings including on welfare, cut taxes, invest in defence, and cut the deficit.
He concluded that only the Conservatives will get Britain working again.
