Commons Sense

This week I spoke in the Chamber to make the case for the Government’s ambitious Internal Market Bill.

The bill is integral to maintaining and enhancing the UK economy when we leave the transition period at the end of the year.

Yet unfortunately it has been needlessly politicised by those who still cannot accept the result of the referendum.

Let me be clear, this bill is not about politics, it is about supporting and strengthening the economy.

At its core the bill seeks to ensure that no part of the UK is treated differently from each other, and that future UK Governments, elected by UK voters, get to decide the laws which govern them, not foreign powers.

This should not be controversial. It’s a no-brainer that all four of our nations should be treated equally and fairly with one set of rules and one common market.

Last year I was elected on a manifesto to deliver on the will of the British people, and to see us make the most of the freedom and opportunity offered by Brexit.

But the behaviour of the European Commission throughout these negotiations has tried and tested this principle, including threatening to bar British agricultural goods from entering

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Ireland.

How can we be a truly independent nation when the EU still threatens to meddle and interfere within the borders of our nation?

It is my sincere hope that we reach a good agreement with the EU next month, before the Prime Minister’s deadline of October 15.

However, any Government must prepare for any and all eventuality. That includes a no deal outcome.

I believe that is what this bill sets out to achieve, and in my view accomplishes.

I am also glad that the Prime Minister has heard the concerns of my colleagues and will offer further votes should the bill have to be applied.

It underlines the party’s unity behind strengthening the UK economy and preparing for the bright post-Brexit future which lies ahead of us.