London mayor accuses Brexit of costing Britain billions and wants a better relationship with the EU

British still unknown Outside the Brexit debate. This is evidenced by the many debates, surveys, and announcements that are being animated daily United Kingdom. The latest shocking announcement to date, that is London Mayor Sadiq Khan. The latter called on Thursday for the United Kingdom to strengthen its ties with the European Union, accusing Brexit of costing the British economy billions of pounds.

In a press release, the Labor councilor said a new deal would “boost” the economy and help “raise the standard of living for Britons”. According to a study commissioned by London City Hall Cambridge Econometrics, Brexit has already cost the British economy 140 billion pounds (162 billion euros), including 30 billion pounds (35 billion euros).

Cambridge Econometrics estimates that Brexit has resulted in the loss of two million jobs, including 300,000 in the nation's capital. The future does not look very encouraging for the economy across the Channel: according to the same data, if nothing is done, including £60 billion, the UK will face an economic loss of £300 billion (€350 billion) by 2035. to London.

Opinions always differ

“We have to be honest, Brexit is not a peripheral concern that we can leave in the past. It is a major factor in the cost of living crisis caused by inflation,” asserts Sadiq Khan. A candidate for a third term In the municipal elections in May.

A stance that contrasts with the reluctance of major political parties, including his own, to discuss the aftermath of the 2016 referendum, just months before a general election in which Labor is largely in the lead. According to a December poll by Opinium for the Sunday newspaper Observer, only 22% of Britons think Brexit will have a positive effect on the country in general, falling to 12% when it comes to the economy in particular.

A spokesman for Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded to the Mayor of London. Economic activity Britain has experienced “faster growth” than Italy and Germany since 2016. The government, for its part, appreciates the opportunities offered by leaving the EU, celebrating the free trade agreements it has signed with countries such as Australia or its membership in the Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership.

GV with AFP