Delivering Brexit: 21st January Prime Ministers update

Yesterday in Parliament the Prime Minister delivered a statement to the House of Commons about how Brexit negotiations will proceed, having established the confidence of Parliament in the Government last week.

 

I would like to thank the many constituents who have taken the time to write to me to keep me informed of their views on Brexit. As always, I will continue carefully reading everything that constituents say to me and I aim to keep constituents updated, here on my blog, on all important developments in a factual way.

 

Last week the Prime Minister met with the leader of the Liberal Democrats, the Westminster leaders of the DUP, SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party, and many other backbench MPs. Further meetings will be continuing this week.

 

The Prime Minister outlined six key issues which have been at the centre of talks to date;

 

• Widespread concern about the possibility of the UK leaving without a deal;
• All the Opposition parties that have engaged so far – and some backbenchers - have expressed their support for a Second Referendum;
• Concern on the issue of the Northern Ireland backstop;
• Further precision around the future relationship;
• our exit from the EU should not lead to a reduction in our social and environmental standards;
• Anxieties facing EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU.

The Prime Minister addressed all these issues, comprehensively in her statement to the House of Commons and I would urge you to read the full transcript of her statement which can be found at the below address.

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-to-the-house-of-commons-on-brexit-21-january-2019

 

As I have said in my previous blog pieces, I continue to believe that a good, comprehensive trade deal with the EU is possible and is in the best interest for us here in Norwich, and I intend to act accordingly in my votes in the Commons.

 

I also don't think that it is acceptable not to leave at all or have a second referendum.

 

There will be lots happening in the coming days and a further series of votes coming up on Tuesday (29^th Jan). I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time to let me know your views and I will be sure to keep constituents updated here.