We must make the most of our position

THIS week business in Parliament was dominated by Brexit, as will next week.

Leaving the European Union is not going to be an easy or quick process.

New trade deals need to be negotiated, laws will need to be rewritten and money for schemes previously funded by the EU will need to be secured.

It is only democratic that parliamentarians play a central role in this process.

As Rochdale’s Member of Parliament I am determined to ensure our town gets the best deal possible.

For me this means securing jobs and investment.

That’s why I’ve been speaking up for local businesses who depend on trade with the rest of the EU – they must get our full support.

I believe that the next few years are going to be very difficult for our country but we must make the best of the position we are in and seize the opportunities that present themselves now we are leaving the EU.

While we must scrutinise, we must also respect the will of the people – that’s why I voted to trigger Article 50.

It is what the country voted for.

It is what 60 per cent of people in Rochdale borough voted for.

I’m pleased that the majority of my Labour colleagues also voted to trigger Article 50.

There is a risk that progressive politics turns inwards and retreats into a metropolitan bubble.

Labour cannot turn its back on working class communities who voted for Brexit.

To do so would be to ignore people’s deep frustrations with Westminster and an immigration system which has not served their best interests.