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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Simon Walters

Nick Clegg says Brexit made UK ‘less safe and less sovereign’

  • Sir Nick Clegg , the former deputy prime minister, described Brexit as a “self-inflicted punch in the face” and a “massive cardiac arrest”, claiming that it has made Britain “poorer, weaker, less safe and less sovereign”.
  • He claimed that the “vast majority” of British people now recognise Brexit as a mistake, particularly younger generations, and wish to reconnect with Europe.
  • Sir Nick said that the economic warnings of 'Project Fear' proved accurate, with Brexit causing a 6-8 per cent reduction in the UK's GDP, akin to the 2008 financial crisis.
  • He argued that Britain needs Europe more than ever, as it can no longer depend on the US for defence, citing Donald Trump's perceived contempt for Europe.
  • Sir Nick suggested that while there is no easy path back, Britain's future relationship with Europe could be closely tied to Ukraine's eventual EU membership.

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