Another week and another significant time for the Brexit
process.
Last Wednesday the Prime Minister presented his proposals
to unlock the Brexit stalemate with the EU. These included workable and
pragmatic plans to address the issue with the Irish border.
In essence it would see Northern Ireland remain in the
Single Market for all goods in terms of regulation and movement of goods
between the north and the Republic of Ireland, but not be subject to freedom of
movement of people. Northern Ireland would be outside of the EU Customs Union,
along with the rest of the UK. There would also be a ‘democratic lock’ which
would enable the devolved administration in Northern Ireland to review these
arrangements every 4 years if a permanent solution has not been found.
Most importantly, in my view, the proposals lay out a clear
path for the UK to be free from all its current ties to the EU and work for a
comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, whilst enabling us to develop trading
arrangements with other countries. This is in stark contrast to the previous
proposed agreement that had a risk of us being locked into a Customs Union with
the EU indefinitely.
I believe these proposals, presented in good faith, are a
fair compromise. They show a willingness on behalf of the UK to shift from
previous positions and meet the EU half way. What is now required is for the EU
to be willing to also compromise a bit and move slightly towards us.
The initial signs were encouraging, that there was broad
support from across Parliament for these plans. MPs from different parties and
holding different positions on Brexit indicated they could support these plans.
However, we then heard that the EU did not see these plans as workable.
It is frustrating that there is a real sense that the EU
are now moving the goal posts, having previously indicated an agreement of this
nature would work. It is difficult not to come to the conclusion that they are
using the issue of the Irish border to back the UK into an untenable position.
They appear unwilling to make any compromises in order to find a deal.
Further discussion will be ongoing over this week, with the
EU saying they will be coming to a firm position on this by the end of the
week.
It is well known that MPs opposed to Brexit rushed a Bill
through Parliament last month that seeks to force the Prime Minister to request
an extension rather than leave without a deal at the end of this month – the so-called
Surrender Bill. It is now blatantly clear that this has undermined our nation’s
negotiating position and is actually making getting an acceptable deal harder.
Any notion that this Bill was in our national interest is clearly wide of the
mark. It has hindered our ability to get a deal, which is I suspect the real
intention.
There remain only two ways to prevent a no deal Brexit –
either agree a deal or cancel it altogether. The position of the opposition
parties is now clear. The Lib Dems want to revoke Article 50 and overturn the
biggest democratic vote in our history. The Labour Party refuse to support any
deal and simply want to kick the can further down the road and prolong the
uncertainty.
There is only one leader of a major party who is committed
to deliver on the referendum result. Boris Johnson remains committed to taking
us out of the EU on 31st October. Preferably this will be with a
deal if the EU are prepared to compromise. But having made a fair and
reasonable offer to them, if we cannot agree then we will leave without a deal.
Many will ask how this will be done with the Surrender Bill
in place. It is very unclear precisely what the full details of this Bill are.
It was rammed through the House of Commons in just four hours without the usual
scrutiny and debate. Therefore, it remains to be seen the exact implications of
the Bill and whether or not it does leave any holes by which a delay can be
avoided.
I have been overwhelmed with the number of people contacting
me in recent days. Whether it is by email, phone calls or face to face. There
is a very clear message that I am hearing time and time again – Get Brexit
Done. No more delays. No more uncertainty. No more talking. We just need to get
on and leave. I remain committed to support the Prime Minister in his
determination to lead us out of the EU at the end of the month.
