Thursday marked one year until we officially leave the European Union. Here in Pendle, the result was clear, with 63% in favour of leaving in the EU. The Government must respect and implement that decision.
Despite attempts to undermine the referendum result by a minority who still do not accept it, progress is being made towards reaching a positive negotiated outcome and we can be optimistic about our country’s future outside the EU as it draws closer.
On Monday, the Prime Minister confirmed further progress on negotiating our terms of withdrawal with the EU. This includes a limited implementation period, as businesses are given the time they need to adapt to changes from our leaving. This will protect our economy and jobs but will end in December 2020 and we will legally be independent from 29 March 2019.
That means that in a year, our Parliament where I have the privilege of representing you will return to being a sovereign body. Our laws will be made in Great Britain, in the best interests of British citizens and no one else.
We will also have control of our borders. We should not, and will not, use this freedom to shut ourselves off from the world, or not let anybody else in but will have the freedom to decide who we want and need to live, work and study in our country. Immigration is vitally important to many of our industries, and many businesses in Pendle, but must be properly managed.
After Brexit, we will be able to trade easily beyond Europe. Instead of having our trade priorities decided by Brussels, alongside the interests of 27 other countries with different economies, they will be decided by us. Leaving will mean the UK is free to make its own trade deals with the 170 countries not members of the EU, including countries we have long, deep relationships with such as Canada and Australia.
Countries like China and South Korea, India and Pakistan are growing much faster than Europe has in recent years. Outside the EU, we will not have to risk being left behind or cut off from our international allies.