As a bystander like you throughout the Brexit process, I have been appalled at how Parliament has failed in its duty to deliver the referendum result. Considering that the Labour MP who won Plymouth Sutton and Devonport in 2017, along with 80% of MPs elected at the same time, did so on a mandate of delivering Brexit, the lack of progress on achieving this is even more questionable.
I am disappointed that we have talked and legislated about so little else in the last three years. I want to see us dealing with how we make the NHS even better, invest in our schools, ensure our roads and railway links are up to speed, provide for the most vulnerable and keep tackling issues like child poverty and homelessness, and equip our Armed Forces and Veterans with the best resources.
It's time to move forward; we need to move on. We must deliver Brexit. Whilst this may well mean tougher times for a season, we are a resilient and strong nation that has overcome many similar, indeed perhaps even worse challenges in the past, and we will do so again.
Parliament needs to get on with the task it's been kicking around like the football for the last three years - deliver on the referendum result and leave the EU. And MPs need to do exactly what Boris Johnson has done and show some leadership.
Our local Labour politicians are quick to spout doom and gloom. By contrast, I believe that with hope and a belief that challenges create opportunities, we can begin to move forward.
Since Article 50 was triggered on 29th March 2017, MPs have spent over 200 sitting days in Parliament and not reached a consensus on leaving the EU.
I have consistently said that regardless of their own personal preference, MPs should already have delivered the Leave result from the 2016 referendum.
Due to the inability of MPs, including our local Labour MP, Luke Pollard, to deliver the will of the people; at this rate we will leave the EU on 31st October with no-deal - exactly the result they are so desperate to avoid.
For months, Labour have played party politics - more intent on pushing for a General Election than delivering on Brexit. MPs like Luke Pollard have consistently voted against the Withdrawal Agreement, yet are now complaining about the prospect of no-deal.
In reality, Luke has consistently put his Remain agenda ahead of honouring the referendum result which as we all know, saw Plymouth vote Leave on a 60/40 basis. Actions like his are why we have got to where we now.
Those opposed to Brexit are desperately working to use Parliamentary procedure to supposedly stop the prospect of a no-deal Brexit. The Liberal Democrats have been honest about this - the plan is to use these tools to actually stop Brexit. Labour have been less up front and this is further evidence of their Brexit fudge.
However, these are very same people who have spent the past few days outraged that the Government is also looking to use Parliamentary procedure to ensure Brexit takes place by legitimately holding a State Opening of Parliament. This is the ultimate example of one rule for Remainers and another for Brexiteers.
I've attached which the Prime Minister wrote to his Parliamentary colleagues earlier this week setting out his reasoning for proroguing Parliament. Key to the plan is enabling the country to look beyond Brexit and see the bold and exciting plans the Government have for ensuring we have a domestic agenda that allows for the renewal of our great country. Let’s get on with the task in hand.
