So far this week in Westminster has been dominated by the
follow-up from the Prime Minister’s proposals for continuing our negotiations
towards Brexit, which the Cabinet endorsed over the weekend at Chequers.
The
proposals have caused a great deal of debate, both in Parliament and across the
country.
The proposals
include the ending of free movement and taking back control of our borders, no
more sending vast sums of our money each year to the EU, and a new business
friendly customs model with freedom to strike new trade deals around the world.
They
also reiterate that we are leaving the Common Agricultural Policy and Common
Fisheries Policy, as well as no hard border between Northern Ireland and
Ireland, or Ireland and Great Britain.
However
the proposals have had to compromise on other areas. This is reflective of the
Parliamentary position, with no overall Parliamentary majority, as well as the
closeness of the EU Referendum result across the whole country.As
such, some people may not have seen the hard Brexit outcomes that
they wanted in these proposals.
I have
some reservations about these proposals and have already questioned the Prime
Minister about them in Parliament on Monday.
I
asked if the Prime Minister was aware that these proposals go further than many
of us, and indeed many voters, would like to see us go and are at the absolute
limit of what many of us feel able to agree to.
As
such, for now I am not opposing these proposals but will continue to watch
keenly as the negotiations continue in order to ensure that the deal reached
does not step away from the Brexit the country and Cornwall
voted for.
Of
course, the option of ‘no deal’ still remains on the table and must be one
which the Prime Minister will seriously consider as we move closer
to Brexit.
The Brexit Bill
now has Royal Assent so come what may, we will be leaving the EU
on 29 March 2019. Myself and my Cornish MP colleagues will continue
to do what we can to ensure Cornwall’s voice is heard
during Brexit and beyond.
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
