It’s time to fix our relationship with Europe

It’s time to talk about the elephant in the room.

Ten years on from the Brexit vote, there is no denying the reality people here in West Berkshire are living with every day: the deal we’ve been left with simply isn’t working.

I hear it constantly from residents, at the supermarket, at community events, and on the doorstep. Food bills are higher. Local businesses are buried in paperwork. Families are having to stretch their budgets further and further just to get by.

People feel like they are being punished.

And they’re right.

The Conservatives’ Brexit deal has piled extra costs onto families and made it harder for local businesses to thrive. It’s taken money out of people’s pockets and away from our public services, at a time when we can least afford it.

But what’s most frustrating is being told we just have to live with it.

We don’t.

The Liberal Democrats are saying clearly: enough is enough. It’s time to move on and do what’s best for people now.

That’s why I support Ed Davey’s call for a new UK–EU Growth and Defence Partnership - a practical, forward-looking plan to grow our economy, cut the cost of living, and keep our country safe.

At its heart is a simple idea: remove the barriers that are holding us back.

By joining the single market and a new customs union, we can make it easier for British businesses to trade again - boosting growth, supporting jobs, and helping bring down prices in the shops.

That would make a real difference here in Newbury and West Berkshire.

From farmers and food producers to small exporters and local traders, our economy depends on smooth, straightforward trade with Europe. Right now, that simply isn’t happening.

This plan would also strengthen our national security. In a more dangerous and uncertain world, closer cooperation with our European allies is essential to keep Britain safe.

But this isn’t just about policy - it’s about priorities.

Because right now, neither of the main parties are willing to grasp the scale of the problem.

The Conservatives created this mess.

And Labour’s refusal to move beyond their red lines is holding the country back from getting the deal we need.

That lack of ambition has real consequences - for jobs, for growth, and for the cost of living.

We can’t afford more drift and delay.

We need a government willing to be honest about what hasn’t worked - and bold enough to fix it.

That means rebuilding our relationship with Europe in a way that works for Britain today.

For West Berkshire, that means stronger local businesses, more opportunities for young people, and real relief for families under pressure.

We can do better than this. And it’s time we did.