Brexit has 'caused a lot of damage' to the UK economy, insists George Osborne

14 June 2022, 20:30

George Osborne maintains that Brexit was terrible idea

By Emma Soteriou

Brexit has "caused a lot of damage" to the UK economy, George Osborne has insisted.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Speaking on LBC's Tonight with Andrew Marr, the former Chancellor implied that he still felt Brexit was the wrong decision after having stood firmly against it during 2016's referendum.

He explained that the move was the "biggest act of protectionism in British history".

"I've come to terms with the result [of the referendum] but if you want me to think it was a good idea, I'm not going to think that," Mr Osborne told Andrew.

"It's caused a lot of damage to Britain's economy and, in many ways, the people I respect most are the Brexiteers who say: 'There's an economic cost to Brexit but there are other benefits such as parliamentary control and sovereignty over our borders.'

"What was nonsense - and remains nonsense - are the people who say Brexit was a great economic move to benefit the British economy or a great act of free trade.

"It was the biggest act of protectionism in British history and that is only now really - now it's fully implemented - becoming clear.

"That's why free trade with Europe has got to be a priority for whoever's in government for the next few years."

Watch Tonight with Andrew Marr exclusively on Global Player every Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 7pm

Osborne defends austerity package in financial crisis

He went on to say: "In the end, politics can't defy reality.

"I don't think we're about to join the single market or customs union - that fight was had over the Theresa May parliament - but, put it this way, it's not unimaginable for us in 20 years time to have a set of economic arrangements with the EU, which aren't too different to economic arrangements we had when we were in the EU.

You can also listen to the podcast Tonight with Andrew Marr only on Global Player.

"In the end, Britain's history is inextricably linked to the fact we're 20 miles off the European continent and there's nothing that either Brexiteers or remainers can do to change that basic fact.

"Our history is influenced by what happens on the continent and vice versa.

"Equally, I'd say to the European Union and Paris and Berlin - Britain is a key player in the European debate and you've also got to find a way to re-establish that bridge."

Osborne says he would have voted for Boris Johnson to remain in office

Mr Osborne gave the example of the controversial Rwanda migrant policy, which will see some people sent from the UK on Tuesday evening.

"The first thing we should be doing is going to the French and having a proper agreement on the policing of the Channel," Mr Osborne said.

"Before you have an agreement with the government of Rwanda, let's have an agreement with the government of France.

"It's on our doorstep."

He added that conflict in Ukraine had shown that "the West does better when it's together".

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Locals living next to Clemence Road were ordered to leave their properties after the inferno set a light to shrubland, trees, fences and garden furniture in an area behind the street.

Inferno in Dagenham: Over 100 firefighters battle massive grass blaze as residents evacuated from homes

Saturday, Aug. 15, 1998 file photo showing Royal Ulster Constabulary Police officers stand on Market Street, the scene of a car bombing in the centre of Omagh, Co Tyrone.

Parliament watchdog to decide whether to release 15-year-old secret transcript in Omagh car bombing enquiry

The Spanish state has condemned Yamal, who celebrated his landmark birthday this weekend with around 200 people attending the private event

Spanish government to probe Lamine Yamal's birthday bash over 'dwarf exploitation' and 'paid breast size' guests

Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, a German citizen but born in Chile, died in a plane crash at Southend Airport on Sunday.

Pictured: Flight nurse, 31, killed on her first day of the job in Southend Airport plane crash

Manchester United's Axel Tuanzebe during the pre-season friendly match at Old Trafford, Manchester in 2021.

Manchester United sued by former player Axel Tuanzebe over alleged ‘clinical negligence’

As the couple were arrested, Marten can be heard questioning "how is that an arrest-able offence?"

‘How is that an arrestable offence?’: Constance Marten's arrogant response as police catch her after seven weeks on the run

The first glimpse of Dominic McLaughlin has been cast as Harry Potter.

Harry Potter TV series filming kicks off with first glimpse of leading star - as more cast announced

Blue Stevens, 24, died after he was attacked in Seville Street, Knightsbridge, at around 9.30pm on July 9.

Three arrested after man, 24, stabbed to death 'for his Rolex' near luxury Knightsbridge hotel

Yostin Mosquera, left, denies murdering Albert Alfonso, centre.

Man accused of suitcase murders claims he was ‘raped every day’ by one of his alleged victims

England's Shoaib Bashir celebrates after the final wicket during day five of the Third Rothesay Men's Test at Lord's, London.

England beat India by 22 runs in third Test of the series

Police personnel work at the site of an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Air India rules out mechanical fault on doomed flight 171 amid investigation into pilots' 'medical records'

Aristocrat Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon have been found guilty at the Old Bailey of the manslaughter of their newborn baby.

Crocodile tears of a killer aristocrat: Moment Constance Marten is confronted over the death of newborn baby

A man accused of trying to spy for Russia has claimed he planned to “track and expose Russian agents” to assist Israel, a court has heard.

Father-of-four accused of plotting to spy for Russia claims he planned to ‘expose Russian agents'

Pc Ellie Cook fired her Taser at Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, after he and his brother, Muhammad Amaad, 26, allegedly attacked her and two Greater Manchester Police (GMP) colleagues.

‘Not an option’ to walk away from Manchester Airport suspect - police officer tells court

Police said road crime team officers initially tried to pull over the Peugeot, which was believed to be linked to drugs, on the M5.

Cocaine smuggler jailed after police find £1 million worth of drugs in car boot following 120mph chase

A sinkhole filled with water

Sinkhole opens in London borough leading to disruption from 'large amount of flooding'