At this momentous time in our country’s history, the UK’s withdrawal from the EU remains at the top of the agenda in Parliament. I continue to believe that securing a negotiated agreement on our EU exit is a clear priority and that this is the way forward which best respects the result of the 2016 national referendum.
This also remains the Government’s first preference. It would ensure we would leave the EU in an orderly way, supporting people and businesses across our country and laying the foundations for a positive new relationship with the EU after we leave. When speaking with the Prime Minister recently, he confirmed that securing a negotiated agreement with the EU continues to be his leading priority and that’s why the Government is working flat out to negotiate a new deal with our European partners.
Clearly, the coming days and weeks will be key to progressing this vital objective. I have voted consistently in Parliament for the UK to leave the EU with a deal and will continue to do all I can to help facilitate this important outcome.
Securing a deal would also enable us to turn the spotlight more fully on much-needed domestic priorities. The Government announced a bold new legislative agenda in the Queen’s Speech on Monday. This includes measures to: invest in and safeguard our NHS; reform adult social care and enhance mental health care; increase school funding; boost police numbers; and also, importantly, protect the environment. In addition, it was good to see a clear commitment to further investment in science, with more focus on regional development and a new national infrastructure strategy.
We must move on from the current uncertainty and take forward a positive domestic agenda for the whole country. The Queen’s Speech makes important strides on that path.
The article featured in the Macclesfield Express dated 16th October 2019