James O'Brien reacts as economists warn the impact of Brexit is getting worse | LBC

Summary

In this reflective transcript, the speaker explores their journey from confident Brexit debate expert to frustrated commentator, grappling with the continuing consequences of the UK’s departure from the EU. They express disillusionment with the ongoing trade challenges, particularly the rise in red tape that has negatively impacted small UK producers. The speaker critiques both Brexit proponents’ denial of reality and the political establishment's failure to address these issues. Ultimately, they highlight the emotional toll Brexit discussions have taken, leaving them uncertain about how to engage with the topic moving forward.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker once had extensive knowledge of Brexit and could easily engage in conversations about it, but has since grown disillusioned with the topic.
• 😀 The Brexit debate was dominated by unchallenged Brexiter slogans, with few interrogating the real consequences, particularly in terms of trade and regulations.
• 😀 Experts like Kieran, the van driver, highlighted the real-world impact of Brexit, which was often overlooked by mainstream politicians.
• 😀 Brexit caused a significant drop in UK exports to the EU, with smaller businesses particularly suffering due to red tape and new trade barriers.
• 😀 The speaker no longer enjoys discussing Brexit, feeling that patriotism has overtaken professionalism, and is now weary of the constant denial of the negative consequences.
• 😀 Despite efforts to explain the impact of Brexit, including on-air discussions and expert calls, many still refuse to accept the observable economic damage.
• 😀 Aston University’s study revealed that UK goods exports to the EU fell by 27%, and the variety of British products exported dropped by 1,645 types.
• 😀 Some businesses, particularly in agriculture and food production, have been hit hard, with exports of certain goods like edible fruits and nuts plummeting by over 70%.
• 😀 Despite the growing evidence of economic decline, a vocal minority of Brexit supporters continue to claim success, dismissing the facts and relying on conspiracy theories.
• 😀 The speaker questions how to continue the conversation about Brexit, given the increasing reluctance to acknowledge its negative effects and the lack of meaningful solutions from politicians like Keir Starmer.
• 😀 The speaker argues that ignoring the consequences of Brexit will only make things worse and that there must be a conversation about how to fix the damage caused by leaving the EU.

Q & A

Why does the speaker mention they 'used to be able to talk about Brexit in their sleep'?

The speaker is expressing how, at the height of the Brexit debate, they had an extensive understanding of the topic, which allowed them to discuss it effortlessly. This deep knowledge came from various sources, including expert callers like Kieran, who informed the discussions on their program.

What is the significance of the 'van driver' Kieran mentioned in the transcript?

Kieran, described as a 'van driver,' was actually an expert on the impact of Brexit on British imports and exports, particularly with regard to leaving the Customs Union and Single Market. His insights were pivotal in educating the public on the real-world implications of Brexit.

How did the speaker feel about the state of Brexit discussions between 2016 and 2019?

The speaker felt confident and prepared to discuss Brexit during this period. They knew the issues well and could easily engage with callers, often anticipating their responses. However, this confidence began to wane as the emotional toll of the situation took over, especially as their sense of patriotism conflicted with their professional role.

What does the phrase 'it's very good for business but very bad for the soul' mean?

This phrase encapsulates the speaker’s internal conflict. While Brexit provided plenty of material for their show and boosted its success ('good for business'), it simultaneously caused personal disillusionment and a sense of sadness about the direction the country was taking ('bad for the soul').

What is the speaker’s opinion on how Brexit is impacting British exports to the EU?

The speaker highlights a significant decline in UK exports to the EU post-Brexit, with various studies showing drops in trade volumes. Specifically, small UK producers have struggled with increased red tape, which has led many to abandon exporting goods to the EU, significantly affecting industries like agriculture and manufacturing.

Why does the speaker express frustration with those who dismiss the negative effects of Brexit?

The speaker is frustrated because many individuals, especially Brexit supporters, continue to deny the negative consequences of Brexit. They dismiss any evidence or reports that contradict their beliefs, even though the data shows worsening trade conditions, such as the decline in British exports to the EU.

What is the impact of Brexit on small UK producers, as discussed in the transcript?

Small UK producers are particularly impacted by Brexit due to the new regulations and red tape, making it harder and less profitable for them to export goods to the EU. As a result, many have stopped exporting altogether, leading to a reduction in the variety of British products available in European markets.

What role did the media, especially the speaker’s program, play in the Brexit debate?

The speaker’s program became a key platform for interrogating Brexit claims, especially those made by prominent figures like Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson. It provided a space to challenge misleading statements and to inform the public about the practical consequences of Brexit, often with expert callers like Kieran.

What does the speaker suggest is the current attitude toward discussing Brexit in the media?

The speaker suggests that many people, particularly those who supported Brexit, now want to move on and avoid discussing its ongoing effects. They no longer want to confront the negative consequences, and some even dismiss any further conversation on the topic, despite the issues continuing to affect businesses and trade.

Why is the speaker concerned about Keir Starmer’s approach to Brexit?

The speaker is concerned that Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, is avoiding the topic of Brexit altogether, or only discussing it in a way that lacks a clear plan for addressing the problems it has caused. This reluctance to confront the reality of Brexit may prevent any meaningful change or improvement.