PMQs: ‘Starmer too afraid to confront Brexit’ – Liz Saville Roberts MP

Prime Minister must accept that rejoining the single market and customs union is the solution after ‘decade of Brexit delusions’

Plaid Cymru Westminster Leader, Liz Saville Roberts MP, has accused the Prime Minister of being “too afraid” to confront the realities of Brexit after he refused to agree that rejoining the single market and customs union is the solution to the UK’s economic problems.

Ms Saville Roberts challenged the Prime Minister with new evidence showing that Wales has been hardest hit by Brexit, with exports to the EU falling 31% since the UK left the bloc – a much deeper decline than the UK average.

Speaking in the Commons, she pressed the Prime Minister:

“The Prime Minister just said that he wanted a closer relationship with Europe but then referenced the Labour Party manifesto.

“Wales has been hardest hit by Brexit – exports to the EU are down by a third.

“When will he admit that the only solution to the chaos imposed by Brexit is to rejoin the customs union and the single market, or is he too afraid of what his party might say?”

The Prime Minister responded by referencing the trade deals agreed with the USA, and a deal done on pharmaceuticals, adding that a customs union would “unravel” those deals.

Speaking after the session, Liz Saville Roberts MP added:

“As we approach the end of 2025, we will have soon suffered a decade of Brexit delusions. It’s time for honesty about the solutions to our economic problems.

 “Businesses across Wales are crying out for action. They face more paperwork, higher costs and shrinking markets - all because the Labour UK Government refuses to confront reality.

 “By ruling out single market and customs union membership, the Prime Minister is choosing political caution over economic recovery.

 “Plaid Cymru is clear: rejoining the single market and customs union is the fastest and most practical way to begin repairing the economic harm done by Brexit.”