MP outlines benefits of customs union with EU as he backs calls for stronger links with Europe
Melksham and Devizes MP Brian Mathew wants the PM to begin talks sooner rather than later
A Wiltshire MP is telling us why he's backing calls for a customs union between the UK and the EU.
The Liberal Democrats claim it would boost trade and ease household bills and Brian Mathew, for Melksham and Devizes, is urging the Prime Minister to begin negotiations as soon as possible.
"I want to see us have a stronger relationship with Europe," Dr Mathew told Greatest Hits Radio. "People across Wiltshire are still paying a daily Brexit premium on their shopping, their energy bills and their livelihoods. So a customs union would offer immediate economic relief by removing tariffs and paperwork that are raising costs and holding back business growth."
He insists it's all about putting extra cash in people's pockets and allowing local companies to flourish.
Brexit the "biggest act of self harm"
Dr Mathew said we're continuing to count the cost of leaving the EU and says his conversations with businesses in his constituency reveal how growth is being strangled by increased paperwork and other challenges now in place as a result of the 2016 referendum.
He spoke of a haulage firm that trades meat into the EU, telling us the owner has been up to Parliament to share their problems.
According to Dr Mathew, the owner told him that they face frequent late nights to complete paperwork. "It's all time spent that could be better used growing local businesses," he said.
Dr Mathew added: "The current friction on trade with Europe affects so many local business people. It's not just those exporting to Europe, but also those who are reliant on imports, people like our local plumbers and florists."
He said that Brexit is the biggest act of self-harm that the UK has ever made, and suggested that those who led the campaign weren't truthful about its impact, adding that then-Prime Minister David Cameron was "lazy" because he didn't think it would happen.
"The trouble is that going back in now would not be on the same terms that we had," he said.
"It's time to repair the relationship"
The Melksham and Devizes MP is calling for Sir Kier Starmer to open negotiations over a customs union with the EU, insisting it's time to rebuild the relationship with our European allies.
He said that it the Government needs to follow through on its commitment to tackling the cost of living crisis.
"Let's boost trade, strengthen our economy and bring down bills. The Prime Minister has said repeatedly that the cost of living crisis is at the heart of what this government is trying to do.
"But he needs to show this now and go on further by rebuilding our relationship with Europe."
We've approached the Government for a response.