Rachel Reeves has claimed Brexit has “not been good” for the UK, prompting fury online. The Chancellor described the European Union as the “biggest prize” to bolster Britain’s flatlining economy.
Speaking to The Times, the Chancellor said: “Brexit has not been good for our country, for growth, for prices in the shop.
“It’s almost ten years since we voted Leave. That ship has sailed but there’s an awful lot we can do to improve our trading relations. Where that requires alignment in our national interest, we should absolutely align.”
Ms Reeves will reportedly use an event in London next week to set out why there is need for closer alignment with Brussels’ single market, which she describes as a “big bet”.
Her comments have sparked anger on social media.
One user on X said: “This is a disgraceful betrayal of democracy. This Labour government needs to go.”
A second said: “What’s not been good for growth, the economy generally and prices in the shops is Rachel Reeves.”
A third said the Government “lacks so much imagination”, adding: “It cannot conceive an economic policy that diverges from seeing liberal trade policies as somehow the vehicle of salvation.”
Another added: “Rachel Reeves wants to align Britain's laws with the EU even when it is *against* the national interest.
“Hasn't she done enough to destroy British businesses?”
Aaron Rankin, a former Conservative parliamentary candidate, also criticised the Chancellor.
He wrote on X: “Rachel Reeves is now just parroting Remainer cliches
“It would be different if there was some merit in her talking points but all of these have been thoroughly debunked for years.
“They’re pining after an EU that exists in their imagination while ignoring the EU that actually exists.”
Some users described the Chancellor as an “idiot”, while some agreed with her comments.
One person said: “Brexit has ruined our economy. Closer alignment essential.”
Another added: “The quicker we can rejoin the Single Market (and the EU), the better.”
While a third simply commented: “Good.”
