The British people voted for departure but not for a destination, which is why Bob and the Liberal Democrats are also calling for the government to give the British people a vote on the final deal that they negotiate with Europe. The public must get to have the final say.

Whilst they respect the outcome of the referendum held last year, Bob Russell and the Liberal Democrats believe that Colchester is best served by Britain being part of the world’s largest economy, working in partnership with our closest neighbours and allies to tackle the biggest challenges.

Free trade is a good thing. It increases prosperity, lowers unemployment and helps pay for things like the NHS, schools and public services.

Our livelihoods are improved because of free trade - including through our membership of the Single Market. That is why Bob Russell will fight for Britain to remain a member of the Single Market and keep all the benefits that brings to businesses and careers. A hard Brexit, forcing Britain to give up the free movement of goods, money, services, and labour, will raise prices and damage our quality of life.

The terms of Brexit will have a huge impact on jobs, our security and the opportunity to travel and live abroad, and the Tory Brexit government should be made to put their deal to the British people before it is finalised. Unlike the Conservative candidate, if elected to Parliament, Bob Russell will use his knowledge and experience to push for the best possible deal for Colchester from the UK/EU negotiations. He will fight for this deal to be voted on by the British people, not just waved through by Conservative MPs. The British public were trusted to make the decision to leave the EU and therefore should be consulted on the terms of this departure.

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