[Bath MP Wera Hobhouse]
Bath’s Lib Dem MP, Wera Hobhouse, has made it her New Year’s resolution to campaign for a closer relationship between Britain and Europe.
Speaking during her first week back in Parliament after Christmas recess, Mrs Hobhouse vowed to campaign throughout 2026 for a new UK-EU Customs Union, alignment with the Single Market, and improved coordination of defence capabilities across Europe.
The Bath MP’s comments follow her vote last month in favour of the Customs Union Bill, as introduced by Liberal Democrat Europe Spokesperson, Al Pinkerton, which would pave the way for the UK to start negotiations with the EU on a new customs union. Analysis from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that Brexit has reduced UK GDP by a shocking 6-8%.
Mrs Hobhouse also warned that at a time of increasing global uncertainty and volatility, the UK must align with our European neighbours to defend itself against “foreign aggression”.
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, commented:
“While the UK has long relied on the United States as a guarantor of our security, we must face the scary reality of Trump’s dangerous and erratic behaviour. It’s time to strengthen our alliances closer to home.
“Working with our European neighbours is essential to defend ourselves against foreign aggression and protect our shared democratic values.
“We should be proud members of the bloc of European democracies standing up for our freedoms.
“Surely, 2026 is the year when Britain makes a new and sustained effort to be at the heart of the European family. Let’s make this the year Britain and Europe become stronger together!”
