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January 2019
Brexit Update
There are many different views on the outcome of Brexit and it is important to respect those held by others that may not coincide with one’s own.
For my part, I believe that it is important to deliver on the outcome of the 2016 Referendum and thus I do not support a Second Referendum. I am supportive of an agreement along the lines that the Prime Minister negotiated, with an amendment to ensure that the Northern Ireland Backstop has an end date. It was for this reason that I voted for Graham Brady’s Amendment to the Withdrawal Agreement on 29 January.
Such a deal will deliver Brexit and if the Prime Minister can get it through Parliament we can then move on to planning an exciting future for the United Kingdom.
Whilst I understand those who wish to see the United Kingdom exit from the European Union on 29 March 2019 without a deal in place, I am concerned that doing so would put local jobs and livelihoods at risk. The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, including manufacturers, food processors, hauliers and the energy industry have informed me that in their opinion a No Deal Brexit would have a negative impact on the Waveney Area. That said I recognise that from a negotiating perspective there are advantages of keeping a ‘no deal’ on the table for the time being.
Brexit provides a unique opportunity to revitalise the Lowestoft and East Anglian fishing industry. This will be achieved by resuming the position we held prior to joining the Common Market of being an Independent Coastal State with control of our own waters.
The Fisheries Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, will provide the framework for the new UK Fishing Policy, which will replace the Common Fisheries Policy. It is important that its provisions promote and encourage the revival of the industry locally. To help achieve this I sat on the Fisheries Bill Committee which before Christmas went through the bill “line by line.”
I raised a number of issues and tabled a number of amendments, one of which was passed. The Bill will come back to the House of Commons in the next few weeks and I have just tabled an amendment, which will help ensure that local fishermen are able to catch enough fish to earn a reasonable living and sufficient fish to supply local processors and merchants.
I am mindful of the large volume of constituents in Waveney who voted to leave the European Union and that is what I wish to achieve.
I will continue to monitor the situation and listen closely to constituents and businesses from across Waveney.
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