After more than 4 decades since we last had a vote on EU membership, the country has had another chance to voice its opinion on our continued membership of the EU. Over 72% of people turned out to vote on this incredibly important issue and the result was a small majority in favour of leaving. But we have already seen a petition raised to call another election to have another go, to get a ‘better’ result. It is widely known that I was very much in favour of the UK remaining in the EU and I made the economic case for us to do so. Having another referendum would be something that could give a result that I would favour.
But we have had our national poll. I know that we here in Wyre Forest voted overwhelmingly and convincingly in favour of leaving the EU. So before anything else, I represent the interest and the views of this constituency and that is why I believe it is the right thing to speak up on behalf of Wyre Forest residents and reject any calls for a second referendum. You have spoken: I will represent your views and wishes.
So, what of the future?
We have no idea where we are going with this. There was no manifesto for “out” so one has to be written. We face economic chaos and it is my job to help Wyre Forest navigate through this. We have achieved a great deal here in Wyre Forest – falling unemployment, new business investment – and my job is to both secure all our achievements and build on it. We also face the uncertainty of a leadership contest that will result in a new prime minster.
As a member of the Treasury Committee, I will be taking part in two important investigations that we will be starting immediately.
The first looks at financial stability. What will happen to our banking system, financial markets, our ability to pay for the budget deficit. This is important and vital so we do not face another financial crash.
The second looks at options for “out”. Rest assured, we are quitting the EU, but what sort of deal do we want? How do we want to trade with the EU? What do we need to do to secure trade deals with the rest of the world – a world we already trade with under terms set by the EU.
These are huge questions and the weeks and months ahead will be crucial for our future. I am proud of this country and our place in the world. I am proud to be your MP. So we will fight for the best deal for the UK and I will fight for the best deal for Wyre Forest.