A top Tory has called out the government over its Brexit benefit claims over Brexit benefits, reports the FT.
The news comes as it was found that Conservative voters are losing faith in leaving the EU, according to a new poll.
Pollsters Opinium found 33 per cent of people who were planning to vote Tory thought that Brexit has caused more issues than it has solved, reported the Telegraph yesterday.
Naomi Smith, the chief executive of Best for Britain, a pro-EU campaign group, who requested the survey said: “Our polling clearly shows voters across the political spectrum now realise Brexit has made the UK poorer, less competitive and less attractive for businesses.
“Those claiming to represent voters must stop insulting our intelligence and start advocating closer ties with Europe.”
Disingenuous
It was senior Tory Harriet Baldwin who has called out the ‘Brexit freedoms.’
Baldwin said: “I thought it was a bit disingenuous to package it all as stuff we could do as a result of Brexit freedoms.”
She was referring to the package of financial reforms announced by Jeremy Hunt last month. He claimed that Brexit allowed the Government to make these huge policy shifts.
At the time of the announcement Mr Hunt said: “I want British firms to lead the world in turning fantastic science into new products and services – and we need to make sure government is doing everything we can to encourage innovation and competition.
“We have already set out how we will back our formidable financial services sector to unlock private investment in new industries, and we will show the same ambition in other high-growth sectors to ensure that future Silicon Valleys are based here in the UK.
“The countries that secure leadership in new technologies will lead the world, enjoying unparalleled growth, security and prosperity for decades to come – and it is our job to ensure the UK is able to fully reap the rewards.
“Sir Patrick and his team will be critical as we harness every tool at our disposal to create the industries and jobs of the future, which will deliver long-lasting benefits for local communities across the UK.”
“I thought, looking under the bonnet, it didn’t look as major as perhaps it had been billed,” said Baldwin, chair of the Treasury select committee.
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