"During our membership of the EU the relative size of our economy has shrunk.
"
Nothing to do with the fact that consecutive governments have consistently destroyed Britain's major industries, mining, shipbuilding, steel, textiles... until Britain has become totally dependent in imports - of course!!
The fact that Britain no longer has an industrial base has guaranteed that it cannot stand on its own feet and has to decide who to depend on - Trump's unstable administration doesn't look too promising
Nice summing up of Britain's chances of a n independent future here
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/the-slow-death-of-british-industry-by-nicholas-comfort-8456205.html
Jim Carroll