UK Economy: Post-Referendum Assessment

Debate between Mark Pawsey and David Gauke

Monday 23rd May 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

Actually, I think I have seen it—the right hon. Gentleman reminds me.

There is an overwhelming consensus on the economic benefits of membership of the EU, and I hope that the British people, when they make their assessment, be it with their hearts or their heads, carefully consider the economic consequences of their decision. It is a very important decision that will have an impact not just for a year or two—the focus of this report—but for many years ahead.

[Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con)]

Is not the simple fact that countries trade with one another to increase their mutual prosperity and that trade with our principal trading partners is easier as a member of the EU?

[Mr Gauke]

Yes, that is absolutely right. Access to the single market reduces trade barriers to a level simply impossible to find outside the single market.