After the Queen’s Speech set out ambitious social reform plans, would Brexit put the government’s agenda at risk?
Therese Coffey, Conservative MP for Suffolk Coastal, says Yes.
This Queen’s Speech contained some ambitious proposals to strengthen the social fabric of our country, from prison reform and boosting social care, to measures to increase school independence and expand the National Citizen Service. But these policies, aimed at helping the poorest and neediest in our country, could be at risk if we leave Europe. Strong public services require a strong economy to pay for them. Every economic expert, from the Bank of England to the IMF, to eight out of 10 UK businesses, is clear leaving our largest market would make Britain poorer. The hit would be equivalent to £4,300 a year for the average family, leaving a gaping black hole of £36bn in the public finances. Any government grappling with the consequences of a Leave vote would be forced to restrain public spending further. The consequences for the British people could only be negative. Leaving would be a leap in the dark we cannot afford to take.
Chris Grayling MP, leader of the House of Commons, says No.
Leaving the EU would bring the greatest opportunity for decades to improve the life chances of some of the most disadvantaged people in our country. The EU is not working for those in low-wage jobs. They have borne the brunt of the uncontrolled immigration we are legally required to accept. It pushes down their pay, puts pressure on public services and is one reason why it is all but impossible for them to get on the housing ladder. The scale of EU immigration also puts huge extra strain and cost on our benefits system, which should be there to make sure work pays for British people, not sending millions of pounds of child benefits overseas. If we leave, we will have a fairer, better-controlled migration system. Wages and opportunities for those on the lowest incomes will improve – and the £350m a week membership fee that Brussels charges us can be put to better use improving the public services they depend on. Leaving the EU is the socially just path for Britain.