MPs set for crunch Brexit inquiry debate after 141,000 people demand probe
MPs will debate calls for a public inquiry into Brexit next week - nearly seven years after the historic vote to quit the EU.
Monday’s debate has been triggered after an e-petition demanding an official probe into the impact of leaving the bloc attracted more than 141,000 signatures.
An online poll of 1,340 voters by Omnisis last week showed 59% thought an inquiry should “probably” or “definitely” be launched, with just 25% against.
The call for an investigation was spearheaded by the European Movement, which claimed: “The benefits that were promised if the UK exited the European Union have not been delivered, so we call upon the Government to hold a public inquiry to assess the impact that Brexit has had on this country and its citizens.
“It is time that the people of this country were told the truth about Brexit, good or bad.
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Brexiteers celebrated the UK formally quitting the EU in January 2020 (AFP via Getty Images)“We deserve to know how Brexit is impacting on trade, the economy, opportunities for young people and how it has affected the rights of individuals.
“This can only be done by an independent public inquiry, free from ideology and the opinions of vested interests.”
European Movement campaigner Peter Packham, who started the petition, said: “This will be the first time that MPs have had an opportunity to debate the impact of Brexit, which is an extraordinary place to be three years after leaving the EU.
“A public inquiry into the impact of Brexit is crucial for our country and our democracy.
“The public has the right to know the outcome of this historic decision and our ability to move forward must be informed by the full knowledge of what has happened so far, what is likely to happen in the future and what steps must be taken to mitigate any negative impacts.”
Voters opted by 52% to 48% to quit the EU in the June 2016 referendum.
The UK formally left in January 2020, with a Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and EU struck the following December.
The demand for a probe into the impact of leaving has been backed by MPs from across the political spectrum - with the exit trade deal with the EU due for review in just two years.
Former Conservative minister Tobias Ellwood said: “What we need now is a balance of consequences review - an opportunity for stakeholders to review all the aspects and outcomes of Brexit.
Former Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood (Getty Images)“An inquiry is a crucial part of that review process and should be arranged as swiftly as possible.”
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Labour backbencher Clive Lewis said: “The current relationship with our neighbours clearly is not working on all fronts.
“Given the importance of this relationship to our small businesses, citizens, musicians, farmers, scientists and simply everyone, it more than makes sense to have a candid review of what needs to be addressed.
“We need an independent public inquiry to map out the impact so we can, collectively as a country, work out how to fix the myriad problems.”
Green MP Caroline Lucas, Vice-President of the European Movement, said it was “totally unprecedented for a government to introduce such a wide-ranging policy as leaving the EU without assessing the consequences”.
Green MP Caroline Lucas (Hollie Adams)Lib Dem foreign affairs spokeswoman Layla Moran said: "From small businesses to supermarket shelves, the impact of the Conservatives’ botched deal with Europe has been gargantuan.
“Yet, while people are hurting, the Government has its fingers in its ears.
“That's why we need an independent public inquiry to work out what's gone wrong and how to repair it.”
A Foreign Office Minister is due to respond to Monday’s debate.
Lib Dem foreign affairs spokeswoman Layla Moran (Getty Images)Hitting back at the petition, the Government said in a statement: “The UK’s departure from the EU is the result of a democratic choice and the UK-EU institutions are functioning as intended.
“The Government does not believe the UK’s departure from the EU to be an appropriate subject for a public inquiry.
“The Government’s policies regarding the UK’s new relationship with the EU are subject to parliamentary scrutiny.”
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