Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has warned that the break up of the UK is now “back on the table” as a result of Brexit.
In a speech organised by Open Britain, which is campaigning against a “hard Brexit” outside the European single market, the former Labour leader said there is now a “much more credible” case for Scottish independence.
Mr Blair issued a rallying cry against the referendum vote by claiming it was “based on imperfect knowledge.”
He said: “The people voted without knowledge of the true terms of Brexit. As these terms become clear, it is their right to change their mind. Our mission is to persuade them to do so.”
He argued Theresa May is leading a “mono-purpose” Government “for Brexit, of Brexit and dominated by Brexit”.
“Those driving this always wanted a hard Brexit. Indeed even the term hard Brexit requires amendment. The policy is now Brexit at any cost.
“Our challenge is to expose relentlessly the actual cost, to show how this decision was based on imperfect knowledge which will now become informed knowledge, to calculate in ‘easy to understand’ ways how proceeding will cause real damage to the country and its citizens and to build support for finding a way out from the present rush over the cliff’s edge.
“I don’t know if we can succeed. But I do know we will suffer a rancorous verdict from future generations if we do not try.”
Mr Blair, who led the country for a decade between 1997 and 2007, railed against the current Prime Minister’s characterisation of a pro-EU metropolitan elite who are “citizens of nowhere”.
“This is not the time for retreat, indifference or despair; but the time to rise up in defence of what we believe,” he insisted.
“How hideously, in this debate, is the mantle of patriotism abused,” he added. “We do not argue for Britain in Europe because we are citizens of nowhere. We argue for it precisely because we are proud citizens of our country who believe that in the 21st Century, we should maintain our partnership with the biggest political union and largest commercial market right on our doorstep; not in diminution of our national interest, but in satisfaction of it.”
However, Mr Blair did acknowledge “genuine concerns” over immigration but claimed that “for many people” the main worry is around entrants from countries outside the EU, “especially when from different cultures in which assimilation and potential security threats can be an issue”.
He said: “Nonetheless, we have moved in a few months from a debate about what sort of Brexit involving a balanced consideration of all the different possibilities; to the primacy of one consideration – namely controlling immigration from the EU – without any real discussion as to why and when Brexit doesn’t affect the immigration people most care about.
“Yet we’re told we have to stop debating it and just do it.
“This is a great country, with resilient and creative people. And yes, no one is going to write us off. But making the best of a bad job doesn’t alter the fact that it isn’t wise to put yourself in that position unless you have to.”
Reflecting on his own legacy, he will also highlight the “destabilising impact” of concerns over border arrangements on the Northern Ireland peace process.
“None of this ignores the challenges the country faces in common with many other countries: those left behind by globalisation; the aftermath of the financial crisis; stagnant incomes amongst a section of the public; and for sure the pressures posed by big increases in migration which make perfectly reasonable people anxious and feeling unheard in their anxiety,” he said.
Questioned following the speech, he added: “I want Scotland to remain in the UK. Even if Brexit goes ahead, I’m still in favour of Scotland remaining in the UK.
“Let’s be very clear, Scotland’s single market with England is of far greater importance to it economically than Scotland’s interaction with the rest of Europe.
“When myself and John Major warned this would be a threat to the UK we meant it, and it was true, and you can see that by the referendum coming back on the agenda.”
Mr Blair’s comments have drawn the ire of pro-Brexit MPs. Iain Duncan Smith branded his comment “arrogant” and “out of touch”.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, he said: “What he really means is that he wants the British people to keep on being asked the same question again and again and again until they get it right. It just shows how arrogant and out of touch he and his friends in the political elite are. It’s complete nonsense.
“I suppose he learnt this disregard for democracy over the last few years from the friends he was advising in Kazakhstan.”