Stroud LibDem Candidate calls for a rejection of a hard Brexit

Stroud Liberal Democrats have written to Neil Carmichael MP urging him to reject Theresa May's hard Brexit manifesto and instead pledge to protect the local economy by keeping Britain in the single market.

Theresa May is expected to include her Brexit negotiating priorities in the Conservative snap election manifesto in an attempt to lock all Conservative candidates into supporting a hard Brexit.

These are set to include a pledge to withdraw from the single market, end the free movement of people in the EU and end the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson Max Wilkinson has written to Mr Carmichael stating he should stand by his principles and sign up to an alternative pro-European platform, including fighting to keep Britain in the single market and defend the right to remain for the 2,605 European citizens living in Stroud.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Stroud Max Wilkinson said:

"I have a lot of respect for Neil Carmichael's historic pro-European beliefs, but when the Brexit bill came to parliament he went back on everything he had previously said and campaigned for.

"Nowadays, anyone contacting him about Brexit is asked to fill in a survey in an apparent data-gathering exercise.

"If he signs up to a Hard Brexit manifesto, it would go against everything he still says he believes in and what the vast majority of Stroud people voted for at the referendum.

"It would show he is not willing to stand up for our local economy or the many European citizens living here.

"This election is a chance for voters in Stroud to change the direction of our country.

"People here deserve an MP who will stand up for what they believe in, including fighting to prevent a disastrous hard Brexit and keep Britain in the single market.

"Neil Carmichael must make clear where he stands on what is the biggest issue of the day.

"The Liberal Democrats are united in saying we will stand up for Britain's place in Europe and to keep our country open, tolerant and united."