Major Demands UK Rejoin EU Single Market, Citing £100bn Brexit Loss

Former Prime Minister Sir John Major has issued a scathing critique of Brexit, calling for Britain to rejoin the European Union’s single market within five years. He warns the UK is losing £100bn annually in trade and £40bn in tax receipts due to leaving the EU.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Independent, Sir John Major marked the tenth anniversary of the EU referendum with a stark assessment of Brexit’s impact. He urged the government to be “honest” with the British people about the economic damage.

Sir John stated that any new prime minister must make closer relations with Europe a central part of their premiership, advocating for a significant shift in the UK’s post-Brexit strategy.

The Path to Rejoining the Single Market

Sir John Major insists that rejoining the single market within the next five years must be the primary aim for the UK. He acknowledged this move would come with a “price,” requiring absolute honesty with the British public about the gains and concessions involved.

Signing up to the single market would entail accepting a wide range of EU rules and the return of freedom of movement for people between the UK and Europe. While controversial, Sir John views this as a crucial step towards repairing the broken relationship and paving the way for a longer-term goal of fully rejoining the EU.

Major’s Withering Attack on Brexit Architects

Michael Gove said after we leave we will hold all the cards. Well, the only card they held were P45s for people who lost their jobs.

— Sir John Major, Former Prime Minister

Sir John launched a “withering attack” on key Brexit campaign leaders, including Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson, and Michael Gove. He condemned their claims that Brexit would allow Britain to “take back control” as an “empty slogan,” asserting that their promise of a “land of milk and honey” had instead resulted in millions of people “losing out.”

• UK losing £100bn annually in trade due to Brexit.
• Brexit costing the UK £40bn in tax receipts each year.
• Sir John Major demands UK rejoin EU single market within five years.
• Brexit campaign promises of “holding all the cards” led to “P45s for people who lost their jobs.”
• The “take back control” slogan was an “empty slogan,” resulting in millions “losing out.”

What This Means for Britain

The economic fallout highlighted by Sir John Major translates directly to the pockets of working families across Britain. With £100 billion lost in trade and £40 billion in tax receipts annually, the funds that could have bolstered your NHS, improved your children’s schools, or eased your heating bills are simply gone. This is not abstract; it is a tangible drain on every household.

This colossal economic hit means less investment, fewer jobs, and a higher cost of living for everyone. The promise of a prosperous, independent Britain has instead delivered financial penalties, impacting the nation’s global standing and future growth prospects.

Sir John Major’s intervention exposes the profound failure of the political establishment that championed Brexit. The “empty slogans” and “land of milk and honey” promises have unravelled, revealing a pattern of misdirection and broken pledges that continue to cost the country dearly.

If this trajectory continues, Britain risks further economic decline, diminished influence, and a permanent reduction in living standards. The stakes are too high to ignore; the time for accountability and a clear-eyed assessment of our future is now.

This must be seen by every British voter. Share widely if you believe Britain deserves better.

Source: The Independent | Breaking Brexit News