Yesterday the Cabinet met at Chequers in what was deemed as the most significant meeting since the decision to leave the EU was made decisively 10 weeks ago. One clear consensus that has been reached is that Brexit means Brexit and we are going to make a success of it.
Theresa May as Prime Minister and the Conservatives in Government will provide strong and proven leadership as Britain begins its negotiations to leave the European Union and forge a new role for ourselves in the world.
As we conduct our negotiations, it must be a priority to regain more control of the numbers of people who come here from Europe – but also to allow British companies to trade with the single market in goods and services. At the same time, we are going to make the most of the opportunities that our departure presents – getting out into the world and doing business right across the globe.
As I had predicted, many of the threats that the Remain campaign made ahead of the referendum haven’t happened. There has been no emergency budget. Taxes haven’t risen. House prices haven’t plummeted. Jobs haven’t been lost. And there has been no recession.
Instead, employment is at a record high showing more people in work than ever before. Manufacturing figures released yesterday show that the industry is experiencing a 10-month high, with British factories producing more than they were before the referendum. House prices are actually rising not falling (confirmed by Nationwide this week). The pound is up 0.9% against the euro this week and since the referendum, the FTSE has experienced a 12 month high.
In terms of the actual process of leaving the EU, it is important that this should not be rushed. We will trigger Article 50 when once we have negotiated the best exit deal that puts Britain in the strongest position globally. We will work hard to get the best deal for Britain.
Elsewhere, I am disappointed to hear of the planned strike by junior doctors, announced with only twelve days’ notice. It is devastating news for patients with hundreds of operations set to be cancelled. Now the majority of our doctors are extremely dedicated, with a duty of care at the centre of what they do. However this strike is misjudged. NHS Employers made over 100 concessions demanded by the junior doctors and the final pay deal (which includes an 11% pay rise and 37% increase for night work) was accepted by the BMA, who even recommended it to its members. Patients must come first and we rightly remain committed to a 24/7 NHS.
