Brexit Worries Hits South Northants

Leader of South Northamptonshire Council’s Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Martin Johns writes an open letter to people in our district.

The reality of what Brexit means is beginning to affect you and me, our families and all communities in South Northants, as it is elsewhere across the entire country. The Leave campaign that prominently included our own MP Andrea Leadsom, has proved to be just that, a campaign. There was no plan before June 23rd other than to win, and there is no plan today. Within 24 hours all the key promises made to people, some emblazoned on their Leave battle bus, were shamefacedly taken back.

Following the result, Boris Johnson and Michael Gove looked shocked, bewildered and confused. Today Michael Gove has ruthlessly turned on his friend and called Boris untrustworthy and no leader. Andrea Leadsom’s response had been simply: ‘stay calm’, now she has said: ‘delighted to say I’m running for the leadership – let’s make the most of the Brexit opportunities’; a Freudian slip perhaps.

To appease their right-wing, and to fight off UKIP, the Conservatives gambled with our future peace and prosperity and lost. A generation of our young people, 75% of who voted to Remain in the EU will suffer most for this reckless act.

That’s not to dismiss the real concerns of many of you who voted for Brexit. It’s hardly surprising there’s antagonism towards the EU. For 40 years most of our national press have done nothing but print propaganda against Europe and the EU.

There are genuine concerns about migration that must be dealt with, but there’s also a housing crisis, low pay, zero hour contracts and a struggling, cash starved NHS. All these issues that urgently need attention are on the backburner, pushed aside while the Conservative leadership contest rages and before a plan is cobbled together for Brexit.

Brexit will mean a weakened economy resulting in higher inflation, food and other prices will rise, even lower interest rates will affect pensioners on fixed incomes. Uncertainty is already hitting the value of the pound, jobs, house building, and investment.

After all the pain of the recession, the Conservatives have put a bomb under our economy. Fuelled by Farage and his appalling UKIP campaign, we have seen racist incidents grow, fortunately not in our more tolerant district. But friends, family and neighbours have fallen out with each other over the referendum. Our nation is deeply divided by age, region and nation. Indeed, our United Kingdom is at grave risk of break-up.

With David Cameron to be replaced within two months by a new prime minister, and with no plan in prospect for negotiating our withdrawal from the EU, things could hardly be worse for our country. Like a Shakespearian drama the Conservatives are viciously attacking each other, putting themselves before country. Meanwhile at this time of deep national crisis, the Labour Party continues to tear itself apart, a hopeless case.

There’s a surge in support for the Liberal Democrats, from people who want to help ensure Britain remains a tolerant, liberal, outward looking and optimistic society. This is what millions of people voted for last week. If you share our vision come and join us.

To join or find out more go to:  http://www.libdems.org.uk

 

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