Full Breakdown
Liberal Democrats Pitch EU-Focused Growth Plan at Brighton Conference
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Announcement: Growth and Defence Partnership
Deputy leader Daisy Cooper used the opening day of the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton to unveil a 30-page economic plan aimed at removing “computer says no” barriers for businesses. Cooper argued that the partnership could reverse the estimated £90 billion a year loss in UK tax revenue attributed to Brexit. The plan also calls for a digital one-stop-shop that would combine tax, regulatory, legal and Companies House services within a new Department for Growth.
Background & Context
Since the 2016 EU referendum, Liberal Democrat leaders have warned that Brexit has hampered the UK’s ability to retain start-ups and commercialise research. The party’s 2024 election result delivered 71 MPs and a record 72 seats, but poll averages have hovered around 11-13 %. In response, the party is preparing a manifesto in case Prime Minister Andy Burnham calls a snap election, positioning the EU partnership as a cornerstone of its economic strategy.
Key Figures & Groups
- Daisy Cooper – Deputy Leader and Treasury spokesperson, author of the growth plan.
- Sir Ed Davey – Party leader, emphasising a “moral responsibility” to block a Reform-led government.
- John Healey – Chancellor, meeting EU finance ministers to discuss UK entry into the “Made in Europe” scheme.
Data & Statistics
- £90 billion per year claimed lost tax revenue due to Brexit (Cooper).
- £600 million maternity-care investment proposed by health spokesperson Helen Morgan, projected to offset £1.3 billion annual NHS compensation claims.
- 71 MPs elected in 2024; poll standing at ?12 % nationally.
Official Statements & Responses
Cooper framed the EU partnership as a “single biggest growth lever,” promising deals on the single market, a customs union and defence cooperation. She warned that “the system holds it back” and called for a digital hub to streamline business services.
Sir Ed Davey stressed the party’s “distinctive position” of re-joining the EU single market and customs union as essential for economic growth and tax reduction. He highlighted the manifesto working group led by Tom Morrison (Cheadle) to ensure readiness for a potential early election.
John Healey, during a meeting of EU finance ministers in Dublin, pressed for closer UK-EU collaboration on technology, defence and manufacturing, and sought inclusion in the EU’s “Made in Europe” scheme.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We build brilliant start-ups, and watch too many leave to scale somewhere else. We produce world-class research, and too little of it becomes a British product.” — Daisy Cooper, Deputy Leader
- “You’ve got a very crowded multiparty system. You’ve got Reform saying any old shit in the media and getting coverage for it with no plan for delivering,” — Josh Babarinde, Party President
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source presented contradictory figures on the £90 billion Brexit loss or the £600 million maternity-care proposal. The methodology behind the £90 billion estimate is not detailed, leaving the calculation open to scrutiny.
What’s Next
- The manifesto working group, chaired by Tom Morrison, will finalize policy proposals ahead of any snap election called by Andy Burnham.
- Chancellor John Healey will continue negotiations with EU ministers to secure the UK’s participation in the “Made in Europe” scheme.
- The party plans to roll out the digital one-stop-shop for businesses as part of the proposed Department for Growth, pending legislative approval.