Former Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine has criticised the upcoming 2024 general election campaign as the “most dishonest in modern times” due to both major parties’ refusal to address the consequences of Brexit. Here’s the full story.
Stark Warning
Former Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine has voiced a stark warning about the honesty of the 2024 general election campaign.
Vocal Critic of Brexit
Heseltine, a prominent figure in British politics who served under Margaret Thatcher and a vocal critic of Brexit, expressed concerns that the refusal of both major political parties to debate the consequences of Brexit would make this election “the most dishonest in modern times.”
European Relationship
Writing in The Independent, he argued that critical issues cannot be honestly addressed without considering the UK’s relationship with the European Union.
“No-Go Area”
Heseltine wrote, “The state of our economy, defence and environment, the need to level up our society, control immigration and restore Britain’s standing in the world. None of these issues can be honestly addressed in isolation from our relationship with Europe. Yet Europe is the no-go area.”
“Losing Votes”
According to Heseltine, the Labour Party and the Conservative Party avoid discussions on Brexit as “both major parties are afraid of losing votes to the hard right.”
“Red Wall”
Under Keir Starmer’s leadership, Labour is attempting to regain its lost stronghold in the so-called “red wall” regions. At the same time, the Conservatives, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, fear losing votes to the far-right Reform Party.
55% Think Brexit Was a Mistake
Consistent polling has shown that a majority of the UK public believes that leaving the EU was a mistake. The most recent Statista polling showed 55% of the UK public thought it was wrong to leave, while only 31% thought it was a good idea.
Troubling Picture
The polling data presents a troubling picture for Rishi Sunak, an ardent Brexiteer, and his Conservative Party in the upcoming election.
60% of Voters
A recent poll conducted exclusively for The Independent by Redfield & Wilton shows that approximately 60% of voters feel worse off since the Conservatives won in 2019 and subsequently led the UK out of the EU in 2020.
13%
This contrasts sharply with the promises made by Brexiteers of improved prosperity, with only 13% of respondents feeling better off.
Increased Migration
On immigration, the survey indicated that 39% of respondents believe illegal immigration has increased because of Brexit, while 36% think legal immigration has also risen.
NATO Fears
Heseltine also raised concerns about national defence, particularly if former US President Donald Trump were to be re-elected, leaving the UK unable to rely on NATO for security.
“Nightmare”
Heseltine asked, “What if the Republican Party reverts to its position in 1940 when it pressed President Roosevelt to promise not to enter the war? He kept that promise until Hitler declared war on America in 1941. Nightmare though that would be, is such a possibility being seriously addressed?”
“Platitudes Don’t Have Much Firepower”
He added, “We should be discussing a closer defence relationship with Europe. Platitudes don’t have much firepower.”
Migration Crisis
Heseltine focused most of his criticism on the ongoing migration crisis and the impact that Brexit has had on it.
“Elephant in the Room”
Heseltine asked, “Why cannot the two major parties debate immigration in the round? The boats contain just 5 percent of those who might or might not be sent to Rwanda. They are a small part of the near 700,000 net immigration figure – the real elephant in the room.”
“European Neighbours”
He added, “Until we consider the consequences for our farms, care homes, hospitals and universities of culling the numbers, all the talk of change, the constant assertion of ‘plans’ amount to little more than platitudes blowing in the wind. Whatever we decide to do, we need to work more closely with our European neighbours, who share our experiences.”
Re-Engagement With Europe
Ultimately, Heseltine’s message is a call for re-engagement with Europe after the Brexit campaign and subsequent debacle, which has dominated UK politics for over a decade.
Benefits Failed to Materialise
He argued that the promises made by Brexiteers have largely, or entirely, failed to materialise and that the UK must reconsider its relationship with the EU to address its domestic and international challenges effectively.
“Viper’s Nest of Mantras”
Heseltine saved the vast majority of his opprobrium for those who inflicted Brexit on the country, stating, “The Brexit case amounted to a viper’s nest of mantras: ‘We want our country back.’ ‘They need us more than we need them.’ ‘Bring back control’. ‘Get Brexit done.’”
“Eight Years”
He continued, “Eight years have passed. Brexiteers have had their hands on the tiller all that time. We had the extraordinary spectacle of a minister for exiting the European Union (as mad as having a minister for common sense).”
“It Was a Pack of Lies”
Finally, he added, “Why is it so few new trade deals have been done? Why has there not been the promised bonfire of regulations? The answer is simple. There were no plans. It was a pack of lies.”
Brexit Fatigue
As the general election approaches, Heseltine’s warning underscores the need for a more honest and comprehensive debate about Brexit and its far-reaching implications. However, whether a nation fatigued with Brexit and its fallout will be ready to heed his warning remains to be seen.
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The post “It Was a Pack of Lies” – Michael Heseltine Slams Parties for Avoiding Brexit Elephant in the Room in Election Campaign first appeared on Edge Media.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.