Wednesday 25 January 2017

Newspaper column 25 January - The objectives of Brexit

Last week I welcomed the Prime Minister’s speech where she set out the Government’s negotiating objectives for Brexit, which aims to get the right deal abroad while ensuring a better deal for ordinary working people here at home.
It is clear from my conversations with people who voted both remain and leave that the vast majority of people just want the Government to get on with it and make Brexit happen. This is certainly the case in Mid-Cornwall, where the highest number of people in any constituency in Cornwall voted to leave.
The referendum vote in 2016 was about something more than simply leaving the European Union. It was a vote for change: to make Britain stronger and fairer – restoring national self-determination while becoming even more global and international in action and spirit.  And while it was a vote to leave the EU, it was not a vote to leave Europe – we want to continue to be reliable partners, willing allies, close friends and trading partners with European countries. 

The question on the ballot paper in June was clear – should we remain or leave. The British people voted to leave.  So in that spirit, the Government is not seeking partial membership of the EU, associate membership, or anything that leaves us half-in, half-out. We do not seek to adopt a model already enjoyed by other countries or hold on to bits of membership as we leave.

We seek a new and equal partnership – between an independent, self-governing, outward looking Global Britain and our friends and allies in the EU.

As the Government negotiates that partnership, it will be driven by some simple principles: we will provide as much certainty and clarity as we can at every stage. And we will take this opportunity to make Britain stronger, to make Britain fairer, and to build a more Global Britain too.

Some of the objectives announced for Brexit last week, include:

Certainty: whenever we can, we will provide it. The Government will put the final deal that is agreed between the UK and EU to a vote in both Houses of Parliament.

Control of our own laws: we will bring an end to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in Britain.

Strengthen the Union: we must strengthen the precious Union between the four nations of the United Kingdom.

Control of immigration: Brexit must mean control of the number of people who come to Britain from Europe and that we can manage immigration in our national interest not based on some EU ideal.

Guaranteeing Rights for EU nationals in Britain, and British nationals in the EU: we want to guarantee these rights as early as we can. Protect workers’ rights: as we translate the body of European law into our domestic regulations, we will ensure that workers’ rights are fully protected and maintained.

Free trade with European markets: as a priority we will pursue a bold and ambitious Free Trade Agreement with the European Union.  

New trade agreements with other countries: it is time for Britain to become a global trading nation, striking trade agreements around the world.

I am with the majority of people in St Austell and Newquay in that I want to see a Britain outside of the European Union, outwardly looking with a positive outlook on what life post Brexit will bring. I will continue to do all I can to make this a reality.

As always, my team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone needing support. If there is an issue you would like my assistance on then please contact me on either 01726 829379 or office@stevedouble.org.uk. Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only, advice surgeries across the constituency. Dates of these can be found at: www.stevedouble.org.uk/events