Hope Dawns for East Riding and the Humber: Fixing Brexit's Nightmare is Our Only Way Forward.

What a moment! That narrow, nail-biting victory in Parliament for Dr. Al Pinkerton’s Bill—requiring the Government to finally negotiate a bespoke UK-EU Customs Union—feels like the first true breath of fresh air in years. As a Liberal Democrat voter right here in the East Riding of Yorkshire, I've seen the devastating, ground-level impact of the Conservatives' disastrous Brexit deal. This isn't just about Westminster politics; it's about the very future of our local businesses, our farmers, and our proud maritime heritage in the Humber region.

​The Cost of the Conservative 'Deal' on the East Riding Economy...

​The East Riding, with its strong agricultural, manufacturing, and logistics sectors, was meant to be one of the great post-Brexit winners. Instead, we've been saddled with mountains of paperwork and delays that have put the brakes on local trade.

Manufacturing and Trade Friction: Many of our local manufacturing firms, which rely on seamless EU supply chains, are facing increased costs and complexity. The overall impact on the Yorkshire and the Humber region's economic growth was forecast to shrink significantly compared to remaining in the EU, confirming that the country's economy is growing at a slower rate.

The Struggle of Seafood Exporters: It’s an absolute scandal what has happened to our local fishing and seafood industry. Promised a golden era, they've been buried in red tape.

A local seafood exporter, has previously stated that : ​“Before Brexit, our shipments to France took 24 hours. Now, with all the paperwork, it can take up to three days, and that delay hurts our business.” That delay is the difference between a thriving local business and one fighting for survival.

​Labour Shortages: Our essential sectors are suffering. In agriculture, we’ve seen farmers struggle with the lack of seasonal workers, and the Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust has even reported a drop in EU healthcare staff, leading to longer waiting times across the board. The cost of living is rising, and local communities are paying the price for this self-inflicted economic wound.

The Liberal Democrat Solution: A Boost for Local Trade

 ​The Liberal Democrats’ pragmatic, sensible approach—negotiating a new, bespoke UK-EU Customs Union—is the single best step for our region. This plan, which crucially excludes agriculture to maintain flexibility for our farmers, would slash the red tape that is strangling our businesses, especially those near the port in Hull and the manufacturing base inland.

 ​The Benefits of a Closer UK-EU Trade Deal

 ​This is what a sensible, pragmatic relationship with our nearest neighbours would deliver for the East Riding:

Reduced Bureaucracy and Cost: The current deal means checks, forms, and delays. A Customs Union would cover most goods, effectively scrapping most routine border checks and saving businesses across the region thousands in lost time and money. This would be a massive relief for our ports and logistics hubs.

​Unlocking Investment and Certainty: Businesses need certainty to invest. The current limbo has stalled growth. By restoring predictable trade, the Customs Union would, as Liberal Democrat Europe Spokesperson, Dr. Al Pinkerton MP, stressed, “cut red tape, unlock investment and restore certainty to British business.”

National Economic Boost: Nationally, this closer trading relationship is estimated to generate at least £25 billion a year for the public finances. That's money that can be invested directly back into our struggling NHS and local schools right here in the East Riding.

​A Clear Mandate: Local and National Voices Demand Action

 This victory is a clear signal that the country is finally waking up to the truth. We need a real plan for growth, not stubborn political ideology.

​Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat Leader, has been clear on the national stage:

 ​“A customs union with the EU is the single biggest step the government could take to grow our economy, put money back into people’s pockets and generate billions for our public services.”

The Prime Minister and the Labour Party must now listen. Their so-called 'red lines' are holding back the future of places like the East Riding. We can’t afford to let their internal squabbles keep us shackled to a deal that simply doesn’t work. The vote yesterday shows a clear mandate: it’s time to choose growth over ideology.

The Liberal Democrats are the party that believes in building a fair, free, and open society. It’s time to rebuild our relationship with Europe, put our local economy first, and deliver the brighter future the East Riding deserves.