A new report has warned that the Conservative Party will be unable to forge closer ties with the European Union unless it first confronts the harsh truths of Brexit's consequences. The study, published by the UK in a Changing Europe thinktank, argues that the Tories' current stance on Brexit is both unrealistic and counterproductive.
Report Highlights Brexit Delusions
The report, titled 'The Brexit Delusion: Why the Tories Must Face Reality', states that many Conservative MPs continue to believe that Brexit can be a success if only the EU would negotiate in good faith. This, the authors argue, ignores the fundamental trade-offs that were inherent in the decision to leave the bloc.
According to the report, the UK's departure from the EU has already cost the economy around 5% of GDP compared to remaining, a figure that is likely to grow. It also notes that regulatory divergence is increasing, making it harder for British businesses to trade with Europe.
Key Findings on Trade and Sovereignty
The study points out that the Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed in 2020 has created significant barriers for services, which make up 80% of the UK economy. It also highlights that the Northern Ireland Protocol remains a source of tension, with no easy solution in sight.
Professor Anand Menon, director of UK in a Changing Europe, said: 'The Conservative Party cannot have it both ways. You cannot claim to have taken back control while simultaneously complaining about the consequences of that control. If the Tories want closer EU ties, they must first acknowledge that Brexit involves trade-offs and that the EU is not going to rewrite its rules to suit the UK.'
Political Implications for the Tories
The report comes at a time when the Conservative Party is deeply divided over Europe. Some MPs are pushing for a more pragmatic approach, while others remain committed to a hardline Brexit stance. The authors argue that until the party accepts the reality of Brexit, it will be unable to develop a coherent strategy for EU relations.
The thinktank also warns that continuing to blame the EU for post-Brexit difficulties is damaging the UK's international reputation and making it harder to build alliances on other issues, such as security and climate change.
Call for a New Approach
The report calls on the Conservative Party to adopt a more honest and realistic approach to Brexit. This includes acknowledging that leaving the EU has imposed costs, that some of these costs are permanent, and that future relations with the EU will require compromise.
It also suggests that the party should engage more constructively with the EU on issues like data adequacy, financial services equivalence, and mutual recognition of professional qualifications. Only by doing so, the report concludes, can the UK hope to build a stable and mutually beneficial relationship with its largest trading partner.
