Politics for Grown ups

This is the next of a series of postcards which Anita Day, Parliamentary Spokesperson for Grantham and Stamford has written to members and supporters

In the week in which our most experienced EU civil servant resigned very publicly, and the Red Cross described the NHS as in a 'humanitarian crisis', there was a much smaller story in the news which went to the heart of the ongoing Brexit debate.

Vince Cable is a grandee of the Liberal Democrats, and was one of the most well-regarded Lib Dems in the coalition government. However, a few days ago, in an article which was originally published in the New Statesman a year ago, he argued that EU free movement is not desirable, and that one advantage of Brexit would be to allow us to create a 'more rational' immigration policy. His argument hinged on 2 issues: the distinction between the treatment of immigrants from India, the Caribbean, Australia or US vs those from EU; and the fact that he considers the economic benefits of immigration to be 'ambiguous' - for younger, skilled workers there are clear benefits, whilst in some less skilled occupations, it can lead to depression of wages. He therefore believed that this is an area on which it may be right to give ground, whilst reiterating his support for the single market (or failing that, the customs union) and the need to safeguard EU citizens living here, overseas students etc

His article provoked furore in the media, with Leavers seizing on his comments as evidence of a split in the Lib Dem party, and some passionate new party members taking to social media to say that they felt betrayed and would be resigning immediately! The party itself made clear that Cable is not an MP or intending to stand again, and that his comments were personal and did not reflect Lib Dem policy. And later that same day, focus shifted to Sir Ivan Rogers and the media lost interest.

But I think this episode is very interesting. I am personally not convinced by his argument- in my view, the point about a single market is that an EU citizen coming here is not emigrating, but simply moving to another place within that market to work, just as we might decide to take a job in Cornwall or France, so cannot be compared to an immigrant; and, since a single market seems to require free movement, I would rather we focus on addressing the issues that people may face as a result eg things like depressed wages, access to housing or schools or health etc, rather than give up on the principle altogether.

But I respect his opinions and applaud the ability of the Lib Dems to have these debates without resorting to name-calling or the washing of dirty linen in public. This is not the first time that Cable has stated views that are not in line with party policy. But Liberal Democrats are able to treat all members with respect, engage in reasoned debate and not start calling for witch-hunts or schisms.
This is politics for grown-ups!

Take care, and speak soon

Anita

South Lincs Liberal Democrats
Membership Development

07753 904676
Follow me on Twitter: @AnitadayA