Medway Liberal Democrats Respond to Parliament Shut Down

Medway Liberal Democrats believe that the Government's attempt to suspend Parliament for a month in any circumstances is disgraceful and unnecessary. Such a move is anti-democratic and contemptuous of the Parliamentary sovereignty that Brexit was claimed to support. The Government should not shut our MPs out of the decision-making process at this crucial moment in our political history.

The implications for the Medway Towns of a "no-deal" Brexit, would be catastrophic for our businesses and quality of life. The effect on the Medway area would be comparable, if not worse, than the closure of Chatham Dockyard, affecting thousands of local businesses who depend on our ability to trade easily with our European partners either directly or as part of a larger supply chain. At least 20% of businesses in Kent employ workers from the EU.

Under a no-deal exit in which customs checks were applied, delays at our ports and Channel Tunnel would lead to congestion on our motorways and in our towns, worsening air quality and road safety. Our businesses would be less productive and public health would suffer. There is also a risk vital "just-in-time" supplies of medicines would be compromised.

The Liberal Democrats are the only UK-wide party committed to stopping Brexit. Therefore we must protect support to industries in Medway such as manufacturing, logistics, farming, tourism and the creative sector, as well as ensuring support for deprived regions continues. We are leading the fight to stop Brexit and passionately believe that the UK is better off in the European Union.

ENDS

Martin Rose, Medway Liberal Democrats said "This is not what people voted for in 2016. The referendum was narrowly won by the Leave campaign on the basis that a deal would be negotiated. They gave pledges that the country would be no poorer if the UK were to leave the EU. A no deal Brexit would break that contract with the electorate. A further referendum - a People's Vote - is needed to give people a chance to fully appraise the future choices for this country".