Straight back to work for you

I’m so proud to have been re-elected with more support than ever before. Thank you to everyone in north Norwich who voted for me and I will carry on working hard for you in Parliament and in Norwich. The election was all about getting on with the people’s priorities, to get Brexit done so we can focus on all the other important issues that matter to people.

 

Today, the new Government has got right back to work setting out a comprehensive, positive agenda in the Queen’s Speech. You can find a full transcript of the Queen’s Speech by going to the corresponding web address: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/queens-speech-december-2019.  The Queen’s Speech sets out the business for Parliament for the first year or so. 

 

Our first task is to get Brexit done and we will leave the EU at the end of January.   So, among the first order of business is securing passage of the EU withdrawal agreement into our law. The main purposes of this ‘EU Withdrawal Bill’ is to implement in domestic law the withdrawal agreement ensuring that the UK leaves the EU with a deal on 31 January, delivering the implementation period and protecting the rights of EU citizens in UK law.  I have been consistent in Parliament in support of leaving the European Union with a deal, so I have proudly voted for that this week. 

 

After this, the Government is seeking a future relationship with the European Union based on a free trade agreement that benefits the whole of the United Kingdom. During this time, we will also begin trade negotiations with other leading global economies.

 

There are, of course, many other important issues aside from Brexit which are included in the Queen’s Speech which sets out a number of proposals to invest in our public services, support hardworking families and strengthen our criminal justice system.

 

Legislation will enshrine in law the largest cash settlement in the NHS’s history and we will deliver the NHS Long Term Plan in England to ensure our health service is fit for the future. The Government will continue work to modernise and reform the Mental Health Act to ensure people get the support they need, with a much greater say in their care.

 

This Queen’s Speech deepens our commitment to safeguarding the natural environment for future generations. The Government’s landmark Environment Bill will establish a new Office for Environmental Protection, increase local powers to tackle air pollution, introduce charges for specified single use plastic items, and ban exports of polluting plastic waste to non-OECD countries.  The Government will also continue to take steps to meet the world-leading target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and introduce legislation to promote and protect animal welfare.

 

I welcome these as great examples of the priorities that people have given me.  As promised, I will work hard to support our NHS, schools and police;  protect the environment;  improve our transport;  build the homes we need;  and bring more good jobs to Norwich.

 

I would like to thank the people of Norwich North for putting their faith in me to represent this fine city for a fifth time.  I will deliver for you.

 

Finally in Parliament we can get things moving, bringing gridlock to an end.

 

I wish everyone in Norwich a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.