It’s about controlling our destiny
Igot into politics because I wanted to be a voice for people who wanted to see change. Brexit provided the country with an opportunity to finally address some of the issues that they have been frustrated about and felt were ignored for years. Brexit needs to mean something and we need to see real fundamental change. But people are now telling me that the Brexit they voted for isn’t going to be realised. Unfortunately, it increasingly seems like those in charge of our future relationship with the European Union want to keep us bound as tightly as possible to the EU and its rules and regulations.
At the end of last week, I said during an interview that I would be willing to write to the 1922 Committee and potentially trigger a leadership contest if there was a watering down of our manifesto commitments and certain red lines. I sincerely hope that this won’t be necessary but I was elected to represent my constituents and the Prime Minister’s team needs to be aware that backbench MPS won’t sit idly by and allow a so-called “soft Brexit” with us being half-in, half-out.
I am by no means a troublemaker; I have never voted against my party and on numerous occasions while on maternity leave, despite having medical complications, I returned to Parliament to support the party during essential votes. I am proud to say that I am working class and I am proud to say that I am a Conservative. I went to a comprehensive school, I didn’t go to university until I was 40, I’m not a career politician, I have never worked in the Westminster bubble and I had a “proper job” before I was elected to my marginal seat. I have no money or property to fall back on in the future, therefore I feel it is essential to be honest with my convictions and
‘Backbench MPS won’t sit idly by and allow a so-called “soft Brexit” with us being half-in, half-out’
honest with my constituents and I can’t honestly say this is a good deal for the UK.
I have a number of fundamental concerns with the Chequers Brexit plan. The “common rule book” for goods and agriculture, continued interference by the European Court of Justice, our questionable ability to sign up to a free trade deal with the US and I fear that the “facilitated customs arrangement” is the customs union by another name only. I voted to take back control and that means full control over our destiny, not the illusion of sovereignty.
It is important to remember that this is not a final Brexit deal and no doubt the EU will attempt to water down further what was agreed at Chequers. In fact, there are already reports that the EU are unhappy with the proposals. We are therefore in the situation whereby we may have to make further concessions to the EU and I don’t see why we should.
A no deal is increasingly looking like a better alternative and could be the only option for those of us who don’t want to become a vassal state, just taking instructions from Brussels, rather than a self-governing country. Constituents time and time again tell me how politicians never listen to their concerns, that we are out of touch with their feelings. They are usually right. The referendum result showed that we need to do less talking and more listening to the people. Daily I hear from people who feel dismayed that the Liberal establishment is attempting to overrule the will of the British people and implement their own “soft Brexit” or keep us fettered to the EU and its institutions.
The prospect of voting against my party and against my Prime Minister is not something that I would ever do lightly. However, I need to represent the people of Morley and Outwood in our national interest and I will continue to be a robust voice for my constituency, my region and my country that voted to leave and take back full control, not still be governed by the EU via the back door.
Andrea Jenkyns is Conservative MP for Morley and Outwood