Author Ross Clark takes apart key claims from the Remain side ahead of Brexit's 5-year anniversary (Image: Abacus Books)
Vote-counting in the 2016 EU referendum had not even concluded before an army of disappointed Remain campaigners were trying to tell us that Britain had just condemned itself to a future as an isolated, xenophobic hellhole steeped in economic decline – while the EU sailed on confidently without us.
The then Conservative MP Anna Soubry reacted to news of a sinking pound by saying: “Yesterday we were told this was all scaremongering.
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Link Sponsored Link
Promoted Links Promoted Links
5 Tips to Kickstart Your Healthcare CareerHMI Institute Read Now
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Keir Starmer is 'unpicking' Brexit, warns Dame Priti Patel
64 Comments
Rachel Reeves accused of outrageous Brexit betrayal plot with 'clueless' EU customs plan
1385 Comments
Donald Trump has thrown up one huge flare with decision on sacred cow policy
28 Comments
UK hasn't scratched surface of Brexit in five years - one way this can be solved
9 Comments
Brexit showdown looms as UK and EU head to court over fishing row
147 Comments
Brits warned to have more babies or get ready to pay a lot more tax
432 Comments
Why Donald Trump is the only hope for Brexit Britain to truly take back control
350 Comments
Labour plotting huge Brexit betrayal in desperate bid to save economy
208 Comments
Rachel Reeves humiliated ahead of major speech as UK growth forecast slashed
116 Comments
Reeves issued recession warning as UK entrepreneurs' mood most "depressing" in 40 years
9 Comments
EU plots to drag UK back into bloc with new 'pan-Europe customs scheme'
1313 Comments
Rachel Reeves just proved that a central Labour Party policy is absolute nonsense
60 Comments
EU powerhouse sends 16-word warning to Donald Trump as huge row explodes
1169 Comments
Spain's new rules and what they mean for Brits - from visas to 'tourist ban'
47 Comments
UK must learn from Donald Trump to unleash full potential of Brexit, says veteran Tory
97 Comments
Outrage at shameless Keir Starmer plot to unpick Brexit - 'Brits are being betrayed'
1209 Comments
Rachel Reeves triggers uprising as Labour left say she isn't taxing us hard enough!
37 Comments
Rachel Reeves' millionaire exodus was the same as losing half a million taxpayers
29 Comments
'You're running out of road!' Eurozone meltdown fears as bloc's leaders sent huge warning
100 Comments
'Betray Brexit and you will betray the British people at your peril'
22 Comments
Keir Starmer is 'unpicking' Brexit, warns Dame Priti Patel
64 Comments
Rachel Reeves accused of outrageous Brexit betrayal plot with 'clueless' EU customs plan
1385 Comments
Donald Trump has thrown up one huge flare with decision on sacred cow policy
28 Comments
UK hasn't scratched surface of Brexit in five years - one way this can be solved
9 Comments
Brexit showdown looms as UK and EU head to court over fishing row
147 Comments
Brits warned to have more babies or get ready to pay a lot more tax
432 Comments
Why Donald Trump is the only hope for Brexit Britain to truly take back control
350 Comments
Labour plotting huge Brexit betrayal in desperate bid to save economy
208 Comments
Rachel Reeves humiliated ahead of major speech as UK growth forecast slashed
116 Comments
Reeves issued recession warning as UK entrepreneurs' mood most "depressing" in 40 years
9 Comments
EU plots to drag UK back into bloc with new 'pan-Europe customs scheme'
1313 Comments
Rachel Reeves just proved that a central Labour Party policy is absolute nonsense
60 Comments
EU powerhouse sends 16-word warning to Donald Trump as huge row explodes
1169 Comments
Spain's new rules and what they mean for Brits - from visas to 'tourist ban'
47 Comments
UK must learn from Donald Trump to unleash full potential of Brexit, says veteran Tory
97 Comments
Outrage at shameless Keir Starmer plot to unpick Brexit - 'Brits are being betrayed'
1209 Comments
Rachel Reeves triggers uprising as Labour left say she isn't taxing us hard enough!
37 Comments
Rachel Reeves' millionaire exodus was the same as losing half a million taxpayers
29 Comments
'You're running out of road!' Eurozone meltdown fears as bloc's leaders sent huge warning
100 Comments
'Betray Brexit and you will betray the British people at your peril'
22 Comments
Keir Starmer is 'unpicking' Brexit, warns Dame Priti Patel
64 Comments
Rachel Reeves accused of outrageous Brexit betrayal plot with 'clueless' EU customs plan
1385 Comments
Donald Trump has thrown up one huge flare with decision on sacred cow policy
28 Comments
UK hasn't scratched surface of Brexit in five years - one way this can be solved
9 Comments
Brexit showdown looms as UK and EU head to court over fishing row
147 Comments
Brits warned to have more babies or get ready to pay a lot more tax
432 Comments
Why Donald Trump is the only hope for Brexit Britain to truly take back control
350 Comments
Here we are, can you believe it, this morning talking about an economy which is in this terrible shock. We have made a very, very bad mistake.”
Ever since, Remoaners have lost no opportunity to claim that Britain’s problems are all to do with Brexit. A few empty supermarket shelves in 2021 were attributed to our departure from the EU – oblivious to the fact that we were in the midst of a global pandemic and that supply chains were deeply disrupted as a result.
Think tanks make extravagant claims about how richer we would all be had we never left the EU – based on preposterous modelling which assumes the economy would have continued growing strongly through Covid and the energy crisis which followed the Ukraine war.
Sponsored
Local Plan Learn More
Affordable Full Mouth Implants For Seniors In Singapore – See Prices!
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Those who try to sell us these narratives must count on us not looking too carefully at what has been happening across the Channel.
Don't miss... Brexit showdown looms as UK and EU head to court over fishing row
They must hope we haven’t noticed that Germany is entering its third year of recession, or that France is as far up to its eyeballs in debt as Britain is – and worse, the National Rally and the Socialists between them have just squashed any hope that President Macron might rein up public spending by, for example, increasing France’s absurdly low retirement age.
Remoaners hope, too, that we haven’t noticed that European healthcare systems, like ours, are struggling to cope with an ageing population. In Germany, stroke patients have been driven 90 miles to find a hospital bed.
In Spain, doctors have gone on strike over what they see as the collapse of their public health system. Even before Covid, the Netherlands was so short of paediatric beds that children were having to be sent to Belgian hospitals.
Europe likes to pride itself on its public services, which are often held up as an example of the superiority of European civilisation over that of America. But without economic growth, no country can afford to maintain good public services.
As for the idea that Britain, divorced from the nice, liberal EU, has descended into xenophobia and racism, surely not even the most ardent Remoaners can fail to have noticed that it is other European countries which have all the far right parties – Britain doesn’t have a functioning one of any size.
Time and again, before and after Brexit, studies which compare social attitudes have come to the conclusion that Britain is just about the least racist and xenophobic country in Europe, sometimes vying with Portugal and Scandinavian countries for the honour.
None of this is to say, of course, that Britain does not have deep economic problems.
The cover of the book 'Far from EUtopia' (Image: Abacus Books)
READ MORE...
Keir Starmer is 'unpicking' Brexit, warns Dame Priti Patel
Outrage at shameless Keir Starmer plot to unpick Brexit
Rachel Reeves accused of Brexit betrayal with 'clueless' EU customs plan
Our economy is flatlining, productivity has never recovered properly since the 2008 financial crisis. Government borrowing is far too high, and has been for the past 20 years, beginning with Gordon Brown’s spending splurge long before Brexit.
The reality is that Britain is locked into the same low economic orbit as is the rest of Europe, and has been for years.
Europe is in this position because its economic policies do not favour growth. The EU, along with many individual governments, see industries as pieces of heritage.
Existing jobs and factories must be preserved, and if necessary defended against new industries and foreign competition. Hence the EU has punitive tariffs on food imports from outside the EU, to protect French farmers.
Whole industries like fracking and GM foods – in which Britain was well-placed to take a global lead 25 years ago – have been snuffed out by the EU’s precautionary principle, which treats anything new with deep suspicion.
The EU is now on course to do the same with Artificial Intelligence.
The difference is that Britain could now, if it wanted to, free itself from the high tax, high-regulation European social democratic model, and come closer to emulating the US whose economy has consistently grown at around twice the European rate all this century.
So why don’t we?
It was always inevitable that while the disadvantages of Brexit, such as greater friction in cross-border trade, would arrive immediately, the potential advantages would only emerge over a much longer timeframe – and then only if we had a government that was prepared to make bold decisions such as freeing businesses from the over-reach of the state.
The previous government did make tentative steps to seize some advantages from Brexit by doing a trade deal with Australia, and by joining the Trans Pacific Partnership trade bloc. Now that a lot of trade is in services, geography is no bar to Britain being in an alliance with the rest of the world.
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Trending
Yet in some respects we are going backwards, imposing even more draconian regulations than is the EU. Take the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which demands that 28% of cars sold by each manufacturer in Britain this year is pure electric, and which is partly credited with the forthcoming closure of Vauxhall's plant at Luton.
Were we still in the EU, our carmakers would be subject to looser targets. We now have a Labour government which is determined to crush businesses with equality rules and pro-trade union legislation.
If we want to grow the economy – and we will suffer long-term erosion in living standards if we do not – we are going to have to try something very different.
Before the referendum the Leave campaign floated the intriguing possibility that Britain could become “Singapore on Thames” – following the example of a small nation which has managed to climb from being a Third World country to being one of the richest countries in the world, per capita, all within the space of two generations – and with excellent public services to boot.
How did Singapore do it? By fighting corruption so that it became the natural destination for any western country wanting a foothold in South and East Asia.
By adopting low taxes, though without becoming a tax haven – corporation tax is 17%, compared with 25% in Britain. And by allowing its industries continually to work their way up the value chain, regularly closing factories so that labour could be redeployed in more profitable work.
Or there is the example of the US which, through light-touch regulation, especially in employment, has led the tech revolution.
Of the world’s hundred largest companies, just 17 are now European, the largest of which – Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk – comes in at 15th.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Keir Starmer is 'unpicking' Brexit, warns Dame Priti Patel
64 Comments
Rachel Reeves accused of outrageous Brexit betrayal plot with 'clueless' EU customs plan
1385 Comments
Donald Trump has thrown up one huge flare with decision on sacred cow policy
28 Comments
UK hasn't scratched surface of Brexit in five years - one way this can be solved
9 Comments
Brexit showdown looms as UK and EU head to court over fishing row
147 Comments
Brits warned to have more babies or get ready to pay a lot more tax
432 Comments
Why Donald Trump is the only hope for Brexit Britain to truly take back control
350 Comments
Labour plotting huge Brexit betrayal in desperate bid to save economy
208 Comments
Rachel Reeves humiliated ahead of major speech as UK growth forecast slashed
116 Comments
Reeves issued recession warning as UK entrepreneurs' mood most "depressing" in 40 years
9 Comments
EU plots to drag UK back into bloc with new 'pan-Europe customs scheme'
1313 Comments
Rachel Reeves just proved that a central Labour Party policy is absolute nonsense
60 Comments
EU powerhouse sends 16-word warning to Donald Trump as huge row explodes
1169 Comments
Spain's new rules and what they mean for Brits - from visas to 'tourist ban'
47 Comments
Taylor Swift Is Photographed Without Makeup, This Is How She Really Looks.Telehealth Dave
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
UK must learn from Donald Trump to unleash full potential of Brexit, says veteran Tory
97 Comments
Outrage at shameless Keir Starmer plot to unpick Brexit - 'Brits are being betrayed'
1209 Comments
Best Cataract Hospital in Singapore for 2025Cataract Surgery | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves triggers uprising as Labour left say she isn't taxing us hard enough!
37 Comments
Rachel Reeves' millionaire exodus was the same as losing half a million taxpayers
29 Comments
让幼儿全面发展：不同凡响的双语音乐启蒙教育Lianhe Zaobao 阅读更多
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
'You're running out of road!' Eurozone meltdown fears as bloc's leaders sent huge warning
100 Comments
'Betray Brexit and you will betray the British people at your peril'
22 Comments
Goodbye, thinning hair. Hello, full hair! Trying this from Watsons.Hair’s Rich Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer is 'unpicking' Brexit, warns Dame Priti Patel
64 Comments
Rachel Reeves accused of outrageous Brexit betrayal plot with 'clueless' EU customs plan
1385 Comments
Rubber Floor Tiles Without Glue In Singapore - The Latest Trend!Tiles | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Donald Trump has thrown up one huge flare with decision on sacred cow policy
28 Comments
UK hasn't scratched surface of Brexit in five years - one way this can be solved
9 Comments
How Much Should You Pay A Cleaner To Clean Your Apartment in Singapore? Here Are The PricesMaid Service | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Brexit showdown looms as UK and EU head to court over fishing row
147 Comments
Brits warned to have more babies or get ready to pay a lot more tax
432 Comments
Symptoms of Hand Osteoarthritis: Warning Signs Not to IgnorePsoriatic Arthritis Treatment | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Why Donald Trump is the only hope for Brexit Britain to truly take back control
350 Comments
Labour plotting huge Brexit betrayal in desperate bid to save economy
208 Comments
Why You Always Have a Runny Nose: The Unexpected Explanation!Sinus Infection Treatment | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves humiliated ahead of major speech as UK growth forecast slashed
116 Comments
Reeves issued recession warning as UK entrepreneurs' mood most "depressing" in 40 years
9 Comments
Blepharoplasty can now be performed without surgeryBlepharoplasty Without Surgery | Search Ads Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
EU plots to drag UK back into bloc with new 'pan-Europe customs scheme'
1313 Comments
Rachel Reeves just proved that a central Labour Party policy is absolute nonsense
60 Comments
Explore the Elegance of Exotic Women’s Underwear – Click to See More!Sleepwear | Search Ads Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
EU powerhouse sends 16-word warning to Donald Trump as huge row explodes
1169 Comments
Spain's new rules and what they mean for Brits - from visas to 'tourist ban'
47 Comments
UK must learn from Donald Trump to unleash full potential of Brexit, says veteran Tory
97 Comments
Outrage at shameless Keir Starmer plot to unpick Brexit - 'Brits are being betrayed'
1209 Comments
Rachel Reeves triggers uprising as Labour left say she isn't taxing us hard enough!
37 Comments
Rachel Reeves' millionaire exodus was the same as losing half a million taxpayers
29 Comments
'You're running out of road!' Eurozone meltdown fears as bloc's leaders sent huge warning
100 Comments
'Betray Brexit and you will betray the British people at your peril'
22 Comments
Keir Starmer is 'unpicking' Brexit, warns Dame Priti Patel
64 Comments
Rachel Reeves accused of outrageous Brexit betrayal plot with 'clueless' EU customs plan
1385 Comments
Donald Trump has thrown up one huge flare with decision on sacred cow policy
28 Comments
UK hasn't scratched surface of Brexit in five years - one way this can be solved
9 Comments
Brexit showdown looms as UK and EU head to court over fishing row
147 Comments
Brits warned to have more babies or get ready to pay a lot more tax
432 Comments
Why Donald Trump is the only hope for Brexit Britain to truly take back control
350 Comments
Build Your Career at AIIB: Applications for the 2025 Young Talent Programs Are Now Openefinancialcareers
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
With gold prices hitting new highs, is it a good time to invest?CNA Money Mind
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Many Seniors in Singapore Don't Know About Free Travel Insurance Based on Their Age! (Find Out Here)WallStreet Viral
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Switch and enjoy Golden Savings of up to $158!Geneco SG
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
No country is perfect, and there are reasons why I wouldn’t want to live in either Singapore or the US. But when it comes to economic growth, stagnant Europe is the last place anyone should be looking for inspiration.
Now we are no longer bound by EU rules we should be looking to the rest of the world far more eagerly than we have been doing so far. At present we are simply becoming yet another brand of European social democracy. If that is the limit of our ambition Brexit will not have been worth the trouble.
Far From Eutopia: How Europe is Failing and Britain Could Do Better, by Ross Clark (Abacus Books, ￡22), is out now. Visit expressbookshop.com or call Express Bookshop on 020 3176 3832. Free UK P&P on online orders over ￡25