A hard Brexit will damage this thriving and flourishing industry. A recent study from the Creative Industries Federation (CIF) fears that restriction of freedom of movement may deter high-quality talent, hurting the UK economy overall. Additionally, the British Retail Consortium have estimated that around 10,200 EU nationals were employed in UK retail, with the UK Fashion and Textile Association stating that 70% of all London fashion factory workers are from the EU. Towards the end of last year, a survey revealed that 56% of all EU retail workers are worried about their ability to reside in the UK in the future.

In interviews with The Sunday Times and Andrew Marr, new Education Secretary Damian Hinds signalled he would encourage restrictions on pupils’ rights to sex education.

A survey by Kantar Public, published today (Sunday, 18 February), has found that 56% of the public judge the Conservatives’ handling of Berexit as poor or very poor.

Everything Theresa May said in this speech illustrated that being in the EU is the best way of securing our security objectives.

Last night, in a bumper crop of by-elections the Liberal Democrats made a hat-trick of gains and huge increases in the vote in a brace of others:

Dawlish Central & North East (Teignbridge) result:

LDEM: 70.6% (+52.4)
CON: 29.4% (+5.6)

Liberal Democrat GAIN from Conservative.

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) February 16, 2018

Chudleigh (Teignbridge) result:

LDEM: 41.0% (+31.1)
CON: 40.3% (+14.6)
LAB: 18.7% (+7.0)

No Ind(s) as prev.

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) February 15, 2018

Worstead (North Norfolk) result:

LDEM: 72.7% (+39.4)
CON: 16.9% (-25.0)
LAB: 10.4% (-1.8)

Liberal Democrat GAIN from Conservative.

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) February 15, 2018