Jake Berry
Conservative MP for Rossendale
ALTHOUGH Brexit is incredibly important, I know from talking to people across the Valley, that whatever way they voted in the Referendum, Leave or Remain, the vast majority of them just want all of us in Parliament to get on with it and make our withdrawal from the EU work.
That’s why on 20 June, I voted in favour of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill as it completed its passage through Parliament and will now receive Royal Assent.
The Prime Minister has been clear that there must be no attempts to remain inside the EU, no attempts to rejoin it through the back door, and no second referendum. The UK will leave the EU in March next year and its membership of the single market and customs union will end at that point.
An implementation period will allow businesses time to adjust but it will be strictly time-limited. Despite the best efforts of some campaigners and some Labour MP’s who are desperately trying to frustrate the process, there should be no doubt that the UK is leaving the EU.
The national news headlines continue to be dominated by Brexit but what’s really important to me is to continue to get out about across Rossendale & Darwen talking to local people about what’s important to them.
I supported our local British Legion at their Coffee morning in Helmshore, I’ve held my regular advice surgeries in Rawtenstall, Darwen & Edgworth and I’ve been meeting with local businesses at the East Lancashire Chambers of Commerce.
The highlight of recent weeks though has been working with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) out on the West Pennine Moors to support Curlew Crisis Week. The Curlew is the UK’s largest wader, a tall brown bird with a distinctive long curved bill. It has a unique call which is familiar to many who walk across our local moors where the birds breed on the open moorland, rough and damp pastures.
The UK hosts around a quarter of the world’s population of the Curlew, however its numbers are in steep decline - since 1970 there has been a 62 per cent fall. As a result, the bird is a Red listed UK Bird of Conservation Concern which is why I’m working with the RSPB to do everything we can to protect them.
Finally, I’ve had a few people get in touch to ask if it’s okay to fly an England flag during the World Cup as there seems to be a rumour going round that you have to have permission from the Council.
I’m happy to clarify that it’s perfectly legal and okay to fly an England flag and you don’t need permission from the Council (although you should have it from the home/landowner). Some may even argue that during a World Cup it should be compulsory and our patriotic duty to fly England’s national flag and support our team!
I represent around 85,000 people across East Lancashire and although we might not always agree about everything it’s really important for me to stay in touch with local residents and be as accessible as possible.
As always, if you ever need my help or want to let me know about a local issue please get in touch with me either by phoning 01706 215 547 or email me at jake.berry.mp@ parliament.uk and I will do my best to help.