An open letter to our esteemed MPs and the Members of the House of Lords

Now that authority in the matter of Brexit has been returned to Parliament – it is a shame that it was ever considered even for a moment that it should rest elsewhere – I am appealing to you to use the power vested in you to amend or reject this legislation. 

 

I am sure you are conscious of both how marginal and how problematic the referendum was. A majority of just 1.8% is, to say the least, highly marginal and reveals a deeply divided electorate: leaving the EU alienates just about half of the electorate – remaining in the EU also alienates just about half of the electorate. The UK is clearly bitterly divided. 

 

However, we are now in the aftermath of the vote and are having to live with its consequences. Unfortunately, what was not clear from the referendum was exactly what it was that “Leave” entailed. Did it mean dissociation from the political institutions of the EU – as suggested by the “Take back Control” rhetoric – or discontinuing the economic and social integration with the rest of Europe? Whilst the former may be understandable, the latter will prove very damaging: something that cannot be in the interests of any of your constituents. 

 

It must be doubted if there is overwhelming support for the extreme separation from Europe that seems to be proposed by the rejection of both the single market and of the customs union. 

 

I am concerned in particular, with the ramifications of potential loss of free movement. For so many modern businesses, it is not the movements of goods, but the accompanying provision of services that is the essence of trade. A provision that relies critically on free movement. 

 

Consider, for instance, the case which I know of an award winning designer of moulding machines working for a multinational leader in the field. It is not simply the design and manufacture of the machines, but their integration into the production facilities, their precise calibration, and the routine and other maintenance which is the actual product package sold; along with the ability to adapt and redesign the machines on demand, often in situ. His company supply this service throughout the EU, and consequently their staff must have free movement. They are far from unique in having such a requirement. Loss of free movement will simply lead to the business's relocation elsewhere in the EU, with the consequent loss of UK jobs. 

 

Consider also the case of someone I know who works for a major surgical device manufacturer. They are responsible for installing the equipment into operating theatres and then training the surgeons in its use. This including being on call to attend operations, especially where the cases are complex or novel. This she does throughout the length and breadth of the EU. Again, freedom of movement is critical.

Or consider the case of someone who has built their own international business. She employs staff and freelance workers throughout the EU to carry out market research. Several of her major customers are based outside the UK – in the Netherlands and Switzerland in particular. She cannot operate her business without freedom of movement, and without the freedom to employ native speakers of languages in which the research is to be carried out. Again, freedom of movement is critical, both for her to operate her business, and for her staff and freelancers. 

 

There is every reason to suppose that these three cases are typical of modern business. Free movement is an integral part of their success. Such is the nature of our modern skills based economy. It is the work of such business which are the drivers of our economy. Modern trade is no longer as simple as selling boxes of oranges. 

 

Freedom of movement is freedom to do business.

There is also a deep human rights issue here. I resent very greatly the threat of removal of the right of free movement from myself, from my children and from my grandchildren. I do not see why accident of birth should compel us to either be confined to the UK, or to have to seek permission from officialdom in order to do otherwise. The EU has restored to us the liberty that our Victorian ancestors took for granted – that of being able to travel, reside, work or trade anywhere in Europe as circumstances or inclination dictated.

This threatens to be the greatest loss of liberty in a century.

I am also concerned about the plight of EU nationals resident here. These people came to Britain in good faith and have invested their lives here, often to the betterment of us all. They should be given immediate assurance as to their unquestioned right to remain and to be allowed to fully participate in our society. To do anything less is a betrayal of their good faith. They should be allowed to go about their lives and continue to enjoy their freedom of movement, just as they do now. 

 

It is only by being an open and welcoming society that we can truly flourish.

I am also saddened by the rise in hate-crimes since the referendum. This is a dark consequence of the Brexit vote. There is an awareness by the police that historically only a fraction of incidents that occur are actually reported. Due to the alienation and insecurity felt by some communities as a result of the vote, and of the accompanying anti-immigrant rhetoric in our press, there is now even less likelihood of their being reported. The police are becoming distrusted as being potential agents of coercion and expulsion in a post Brexit Britain. Threatening to end the freedom of movement or the rights of residence can only make all this so much worse.

In the case the constituency where I live (Peseli Pembrokeshire), it is not immigration but emigration which is the concern. Whatever the fears of the public engendered by some parts of our media, retaining young people and finding suitable employment for them is a far greater issue. 

 

Restricting EU freedom of movement may only serve to leave Wales short of highly skilled and qualified personnel in very specific fields, especially in our health service. It will also serve our universities very badly. At worst, the combined social and economic effects will impact very negatively on Wales, threatening to turn it into a wasteland created in an effort to placate the xenophobic fears of England.

I appeal to you to add such amendments to the current bills as will address the above issues and to ensure that full parliamentary oversight of the process is maintained, including the provision that either Parliament, and, or, the people, will have the final say over accepting or rejecting any resultant agreement made with the EU.

Yours sincerely,

D.Lockyer