Concerns about the negative impacts of Brexit on her constituents – and the country as a whole – have been raised by Bath’s MP Wera Hobhouse during a Westminster debate.
She emphasised that Bath remains a proudly pro-European city, with nearly 70% of the city’s constituents voting to remain in the EU.
The Bath MP pointed out that the UK is the only G7 nation with an economy smaller than before the pandemic and cited the challenges faced by her constituents in accessing dental care. She criticised the government’s refusal to recognize EU dentist qualifications, which has contributed to only one in three adults in Bath being able to secure an appointment with an NHS dentist.
The impact of Brexit on Bath’s thriving cultural scene was also underscored. According to an Encore Musicians survey, 76% of musicians believe that Brexit-related travel restrictions will hinder their ability to perform in Europe, consequently stifling the growth of local bands.
The MP called for an inquiry into the UK’s exit from the EU, stating that the government needs to acknowledge the existing issues created by Brexit rather than focusing solely on so-called Brexit freedoms. She urged the government to face the discrepancies between the promises made during the Brexit campaign and the reality faced by the nation today.
Wera Hobhouse, Member of Parliament for Bath, commented:
“We cannot solve the problems arising from Brexit if we refuse to acknowledge them. It is time for the government to stop covering up these issues and start working to address them for the betterment of our country and its citizens.”
“Each NHS vacancy arising from Brexit is hurting communities as patients face painful delays and waiting lists. Red tape is weighing down importers and exporters with the government offering little in the way of solutions.”
“Bath’s pro-European identity is clear, and our city deserves to know the full scope of Brexit’s impact on all aspects of our lives. It is unacceptable that the consequences of an event more damaging to our economy than the pandemic are kept out of the public eye.”
