Everyone knows where I stand on Brexit.  It’s no secret that I am one of the 48% who voted to remain in the EU. I thought it was right then and nothing that has happened since can persuade me to change my mind. In fact I am more convinced than ever that leaving the EU would be an absolute disaster.

Ahead of the referendum the Brexit campaign told everyone it would not adversely affect the economy. That the EU needed us more than we needed it, and among other benefits of leaving we would be able to pump £375 million a week into our NHS. Clearly this is not the case and it’s looking particularly tough for the vast majority of hard working people who will bear the brunt of it as usual.

The combination of the Tories continuing austerity measures and the 15% devaluation of our currency as a direct result of Brexit is impacting on real incomes and business. As a result, inflation is up to just under 4% and businesses of all shapes and sizes are expressing concerns about rising costs on top of those filtering through from the living wage legislation, auto enrolment into pensions and the added cost of apprenticeships. Add to that the lack of any plan for Brexit along with a deepening housing crisis and you have all the ingredients coming together for a perfect storm.

Any deal that comes out of the Brexit negotiations would be a pale reflection of the one we already have. Currently we are not part of the Euro Zone. We are not part of the Schengen Area and we have a rebate on our budget to the EU. What we’ve got is not perfect but getting out is not the answer and let’s face it, no deal would be a disaster which would propel the UK off the world stage.