Team Herald
PANJIM: Keith Vaz, the former UK Member of Parliament and one of the first British MPs of Goan origin, voiced his strong opposition to Brexit, calling it a ‘disaster’ for the UK.
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In an exclusive interview to O Heraldo, he pointed to the UK’s historical strength, with its world-leading financial services, education system and health service, all of which he believes were undermined by the decision to leave the European Union. “I think Brexit has been a disaster for the United Kingdom. This is a country that should be growing stronger, but Brexit has caused a massive disruption,” he said. “We need another referendum to decide whether to reverse this decision,” he asserted.
On the economic consequences of Brexit, Vaz noted that the UK’s trade relationship with the EU, which accounted for over half of British exports, had been severely impacted. “I was talking to a businessman who says every time he tries to export to France, he has to fill in so many forms, so many regulations,” he explained.
Vaz also recalled his efforts to engage with new EU member States, including Poland and Hungary, in the early 2000s, when he worked under Tony Blair to integrate them into the European Union.
“They’re all in and we’re out. So they’re taking advantage of the single market,” he added.
Responding to a question on Goans in the UK, he expressed pride in the Goan community’s contributions to the country. He highlighted the importance of the community, stating, “The Goan community has thrived in the UK and the UK is a better country because of it.” Reflecting on his own journey, Vaz shared how, when elected to Parliament in 1987, he was the first MP of Goan origin, a “grandson of Goa rather than a son”.
Speaking on the fate for Goans wishing to make it to the UK in the post-Brexit, the former UK Minister said that under the new post-Brexit rules, Goans no longer have automatic rights to settle in the UK, even if they hold Portuguese passports. Vaz explained, “If you obtained your Portuguese passport before Brexit, you could apply for pre-settlement status. But post-Brexit, that opportunity is no longer available.”
He also noted a growing trend of Goans choosing to settle in Ireland, where the rules are more lenient. “A lot of Goans are opting to go to Dublin. Once they establish themselves there, they can move on to the UK,” he said. Vaz expressed concern over the loss of skilled labour in the UK, as fewer Goans are able to move and settle in the country due to these restrictions.
He also highlighted the frustrations faced by Goans applying for Portuguese passports, particularly the delays in the process. “The process is slow. I recently spoke to the Portuguese Consul General, who reassured me that once all documents are in order, appointments can be made within three days,” he said.
Addressing the broader debate surrounding immigration in the UK, he said, “I’m for open borders, but the answer is that there are lots of people in Britain who fear. And it is fear stirred up by certain political parties about the arrival of a lot of immigrants. And the reason this is happening is because Britain keeps declaring war on a lower level, not a formal declaration, of supporting wars in other countries. As a result of that, you get a mass number of people coming to your country.”
Responding to a related question regarding violence and social tensions in the UK particularly in cities like London, Vaz said, “It’s all overplayed. Racism exists in every country, but the incidents of violence due to race or religion are very rare,” he added. Vaz explained that, despite the occasional reports of unrest, the UK remains a safe country to live in, much like Goa.
When questioned about the anti-immigration sentiments of Suella Braverman, another Goan origin UK Minister, Vaz was critical of her and her stance on immigration. “I like her personally, but I don’t agree with her politics,” he said. He pointed to her failure to address illegal migration and the ongoing mess in the Home Office under her leadership. “Despite her position, illegal migration is still happening under her watch,” he noted.
Addressing his exit from the Labour Party, Vaz, who left the Labour Party after more than three decades, said, “I felt that if you don’t toe the party line, you get beaten down. It was the Palestinian issue that made me decide to speak out,” he explained. He expressed disappointment with both major political parties for not addressing what he believes are the key issues of the day, including the need to end wars and the failure to reverse Brexit.
