At July’s meeting of the Full Council, Stockport Liberal Democrats presented a motion calling for a comprehensive review of the council’s preparedness for Brexit, highlighting the particular risks of a “no-deal” Brexit. This received unanimous support across all parties.
Speaking after the debate, Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr Mark Hunter said: “With the Tory leadership contenders both tying themselves to renegotiating the Brexit deal in the face of our European partners being very clear that no further negotiations are possible, the spectre of a no-deal Brexit looms ever larger. And our supposed ally across the sea in America has only this week launched further attacks on our government.
“We do not and cannot know the full impact of this reckless folly until it is too late and, because of this, we cannot know whether the council is properly prepared to support our residents and local businesses through what will certainly be challenging times. We need to be diligent in our preparations and be seen to be doing everything we can to mitigate a no-deal Brexit.”
Lib Dem Deputy Leader Cllr Lisa Smart added: “Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign to stop Brexit as there is no deal with the European Union better than the one we already have. In the event that Brexit cannot be stopped, we need to make sure that the council is fully prepared for the uncertainty that will inevitably follow.
“From managing food and drug supplies to ensuring there are carers available for our most vulnerable residents, no part of the borough will be immune from the damage of a no-deal Brexit.”
The text of the motion can be read at the link below:
