A number of you have written to me with a campaign
email entitled “Brexit and a people’s vote”.
Negotiations with the EU have proven (again) by
their intransigence why it is essential we leave the EU and honour the
democratic wishes of the majority and regain control of our own country. It is
also important to note that the Conservative party is not “wasting time by
asking…” the EU for anything. It is not negotiating with the EU and not
understanding this rudimentary point throws doubt over the validity and grasp of
all other points raised.
No deal has been agreed and yet the email says it
has! Therefore the comments that flow from that are spurious because of the
false premise.
The “strong democratic case” we have for leaving
the EU was secured when the referendum was held with the overwhelming majority
in the constituency voting to leave. Seeking to rerun it because we don’t like
the result is directly against the democratic values we should all cherish.
Whilst the Labour Party has now reneged on
its manifesto pledge to honour the result of the referendum with a motion to
have a second referendum, the motivation behind this confused and volatile
position is all about the internal politics of the Labour parliamentary party –
nothing else. It is something I will never countenance should it come to a vote
in the house, not least because it is a direct assault on the democratic wishes
of the majority.
On the government benches there are Ministers who
posture they might resign. Whatever else is in flux I am clear: I made promises
during the referendum campaign. I reiterated them during the election campaign
and stood on a manifesto that promised to honour the result of the referendum.
I will not be diverted.
