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
