As his 100th day in Downing Street on Tuesday coincides with the third anniversary of Britain’s exit from the European Union, Rishi Sunak defended Brexit on Monday evening. This event is “a huge opportunity” for British growth, he said.
Since January 31, 2020, “we have made tremendous progress in harnessing the freedoms offered by Brexit to address generational challenges. Whether it is leading the fastest vaccine deployment in Europe, striking trade deals with over 70 countries, or regaining control of our borders,” explained Rishi Sunak.
Downing Street satisfied with the creation of free ports
“In my first 100 days as prime minister, that momentum has not slackened,” he added. “I am determined to ensure that the benefits of Brexit continue to empower people and businesses across the country. »
The Downing Street press release underlines above all “the immense opportunity” of leaving the EU, in particular “for the growth of the British economy”. He cites the creation of free ports, areas considered outside the customs territory of the country and therefore benefiting from advantageous taxation, and the prospects opened up, according to him, by post-Brexit deregulation.
According to the public budget forecasting body OBR, leaving the EU will nevertheless reduce the size of the British economy by around 4% in the long term, despite the free trade agreement signed with the EU. In addition, the United Kingdom is the only G7 country to have not yet returned to its Gross Domestic Product from before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The support of the British population for Brexit has also never been weaker. According to a YouGov poll published in November, less than a third of Britons believe it was a good decision. One in five Brexiters have changed their mind.