Nick Clegg: The Brexit Government must be held to account Theresa May has said repeatedly that “Brexit means Brexit”. What we need to know now is what that means in […]

Theresa May has said repeatedly that “Brexit means Brexit”. What we need to know now is what that means in reality. The British people voted to leave the European Union, but they were never presented with a plan for what Britain’s new relationship with Europe and the world will look like.

With no meaningful opposition from the Labour Party, no exit plan from the Government, Whitehall unprepared for the Brexit negotiations and, above all, Theresa May’s refusal to seek a mandate from the people for what is in effect a new Government, there is a real risk that she and her Brexit ministers won’t be subject to the scrutiny and accountability that voters deserve.

“What matters more – our economy and jobs or clamping down on immigration?” The i newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

Theresa May can’t, for example, promise that we will be able to enjoy all the benefits to our economy that full access to the world’s largest borderless single market will bring, without accepting freedom of movement in return. So which is it? What matters more – our economy and jobs or clamping down on immigration?

Single market not just a free trade agreement

David Davis, Theresa May’s new Brexit minister, appears to believe the single market is just a free trade arrangement. It isn’t. Free trade means removing tariffs so that companies can trade without paying different levels of tax on the goods they buy and sell. But the single market is much more ambitious. It is about harmonising all the standards and regulations that apply to goods and services across Europe, so that companies can trade with each other on a truly level playing field.

So when Davis, May and others say they want access to the single market, what do they mean and what are they prepared to give back in exchange for it?

Many questions to answer

This is just one of the many questions that the Conservative Brexit Government must answer.

What will happen to the million-plus Britons who live abroad in Europe? What about the Europeans who currently call Britain their home? What about the right of young Brits to study at European universities?

“Whatever your views on Brexit, it is in everyone’s interest to make sure what happens next is debated openly and scrutinised properly”

What will happen to British agriculture, or the arts, or university research departments that relied on EU funding? Will we still sign up to the cross-European policing and justice measures that help us tackle terrorism and cross-border crime? And what about all the money they promised for the National Health Service?

Profound consequences

The answer to these questions will have profound consequences for the economy, our environment and our safety – not just now but for years to come.

Whatever your views on Brexit, it is in everyone’s interest to make sure what happens next is debated openly and scrutinised properly.

That’s why, over the coming months, I will be working with academics, lawyers and other experts to hold the Government to account and to flush out the answers that British people need about their country, their economy and their futures. To do that, I’m prepared to work openly and collaboratively with people of all parties and anyone who believes that Britain must remain an open economy and a tolerant, outward-looking nation.