It hasn’t been easy, and we always knew the Brexit trade talks would go to the wire, but finally, the European Union and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement. Our Prime Minister and his team have succeeded when very many people said this deal could never be done.
Today marks a phenomenal achievement. As an Independent Sovereign nation, we will build on our friendships with our European neighbours as well as reaching out to new and old friends around the world to strengthen our economy, security and global standing in the world.
South Derbyshire voted by 60.4% to leave the EU back in 2016 and I was re-elected in December 2019 with a majority of over 19,000 and one of my main promises was to deliver Brexit. Today marks the final step in delivering on that promise. The Prime Minister and his negotiation team have stood fast and achieved a deal which will benefit both parties. It is the biggest bilateral deal that either the European Union or the United Kingdom have ever signed, worth over £660 billion.
This deal means certainty for the Security Services, Scientists, airlines, manufacturers and businesses across the whole of the United Kingdom.
It will help to level up the UK as we build back stronger by ensuring there are no barriers or trade tariffs. It will protect jobs and drive prosperity both here and across Europe. This deal recognises each party's needs and shows respect for one another.
This is a Canada style deal which allows us to take back control as we will now see with agriculture and fisheries. Importantly it allows us to strike new deals across the globe. Already we have secured 61 free-trade agreements with countries around the world and this will grow, 3 of those deals were signed in this Christmas week. There is no longer a role for the European Court of Justice but if we or the EU feel we are being treated unfairly when it comes to competition, we have the ability to work with a 3rd party to decide what is fair.
There will be many changes for all of our businesses to get used to but this deal will give them the certainty they need to plan for the future.
Keeping jobs in South Derbyshire is important and at every turn I have made sure those in the negotiating Team realise the importance of manufacturing here. Already Alok Sharma, the Secretary of State for Business, has telephoned Toyota to tell them the good news. This is after No 10 phoned too. With no tariffs, they can continue to go from strength to strength and build on the huge numbers of cars they already export to Europe.
The deal will allow us to be more flexible and dynamic as we stand proudly on the global stage.
Parliament is expected to vote on this new deal early next week and will come into force on the 1st of January.
I will read the details, but on what I have heard so far it seems it is a deal that will benefit the whole of the United Kingdom and the European Union.
This is what South Derbyshire voted for and I look forward to the opportunities this deal will bring.
