- Leading economist Professor Nick Bloom from Stanford University has revealed that Brexit shrank the UK economy by 6 to 8 per cent, costing every British person approximately £3,000 each year through reduced trade, increased red tape, and prolonged political uncertainty.
- Prof Bloom stated that the billions lost to the economy could have increased the National Health Service budget by around two-thirds, which would have eradicated waiting lists, refurbished hospitals, and improved pay for healthcare staff.
- The research refutes the famous 2016 Leave campaign claim that leaving the European Union would free up £350m a week for the NHS, with Prof Bloom labelling the assertion as "exactly and perfectly wrong".
- Prof Bloom identified Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as a persistent threat hindering the UK government from pursuing closer economic ties with the European Union to aid recovery.
- Former Conservative health secretary Stephen Dorrell and pro-European campaigning groups supported calls to rebuild relations with Europe, warning that failing to address the economic fallout of Brexit will continue to impoverish British public services.
IN FULL
Billions lost to Brexit could make NHS waiting lists disappear, top economist says
