There is no doubt that the result of the EU Referendum last
Thursday was a surprise to many people. But the fact is it was a legitimate
democratic decision made by the British people. The country voted to leave the
EU by a majority of over 1.2million votes and every region of the country with
the exception of only London, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to leave.
Whilst I am pleased with the outcome, I do understand the
strong feelings those who wanted the UK to remain in the EU feel. We need to
accept this decision and now work together for our future outside the EU. Calls
for a 2nd referendum are, in my view, undemocratic and unworkable.
I have been contacted by many people asking about the
affect this decision will have on our country and on us as individuals. Let’s
be clear this result is neither the end of the world nor is it the answer to
all our problems. But what it does do is give us as a nation the opportunity to
once again run our own affairs. We can now recover control of things such as
VAT, our borders, our fishing waters and the regulations on our farmers.
The fact is virtually nothing has changed since last
Wednesday. We have not yet left the EU and there will be a lengthy process of
negotiation before we leave that is likely to take at least two years. I would
urge that we do not jump to conclusions about what life outside the EU will
like – especially negative ones. Let us wait and see what the negotiations will
bring and precisely what future trade deals and agreements will be made before
passing judgement.
One of the greatest dangers we face is that we talk down
our country’s prospects. There is a very real danger that we create a
self-fulfilling prophesy by saying all will be doom and gloom. I believe in our
nation’s ability to stand up for ourselves. We are a great country with a
strong economy and a significant player on the world stage. There is no reason
we cannot be successful and prosper outside the EU. We should be proud and
confident of our country’s future.
I was very pleased that a majority of voters in Cornwall
voted to leave the EU. By a margin of 12%, significantly bigger than the
national average, Cornwall demonstrated its desire for change. Legitimate
questions have been asked about the impact of this on Cornwall and especially with
regards to EU funding for our economy. Once again it is far too soon to answer
those questions. But I can assure everyone that, along with my fellow Cornish
MPs, I will be working tirelessly to ensure Cornwall continues to get the
investment and support we need and deserve.
There will undoubtedly be some bumps in the road ahead. The
Conservative Party needs to elect a new leader and Prime Minister as well make
decisions about when to begin the process of leaving the EU. But I want to
assure everyone that through all this I will continue to work for the people of
this constituency and represent you in Parliament. My team and I are here to
serve you and are available to help in any way we can. You can contact me my
email office@stevedouble.org.uk or
phone 01726 829379.
