Simon Kirby MP supports the Prime Minister as she triggers Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty

Simon Kirby MP

Simon Kirby, Member of Parliament for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven supports the Prime Minister, Theresa May, as she addresses MPs on this historic day for Britain.

Earlier today Britain’s ambassador to Brussels handed over a letter to European Council President Donald Tusk, signed by the Prime Minister, officially triggering article 50 and beginning the process of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union.

The Prime Minister made the following points in her statement to MPs:

  • Today, we give effect to the democratic decision of the people of the United Kingdom who voted decisively to leave the European Union.

 

  • This is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back. We are going to make our own decisions and our own laws. We are going to take control of the things that matter most to us. And we are going to take this opportunity to build a stronger, fairer Britain – a country that our children and grandchildren are proud to call home.

 

  • We will represent every person in the United Kingdom in the negotiations, whether they voted Leave or Remain. And that includes those EU nationals who have made this country their home. Our shared values, interests and ambitions can – and must – bring us together as a country.

 

  • We are leaving the European Union, but we are not leaving Europe – and we want to remain committed partners and allies to our friends across the continent. The United Kingdom wants the European Union to succeed and prosper. Indeed, as a close friend and neighbour, we hope to enjoy a deep and special partnership with the European Union once we leave.

 

  • We want negotiations to proceed in a fair and orderly manner, minimising disruption and giving as much certainty as possible – which will benefit both sides. This is why we believe it is necessary to agree our future partnership alongside our withdrawal, reaching agreement on both within the two years allowed for by Article 50. The Great Repeal Bill will also provide legal certainty by converting the body of existing EU law into UK law, wherever practical and appropriate, at the point of exit.

 

Simon commented, “Whilst I voted to remain in the EU, the British people gave us a clear instruction that they want to leave the EU and I support the Prime Minister in respecting that instruction and triggering Article 50 today. This is a historic moment for our country and for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven. We need to look forward with optimism and make sure that we get the very best possible deal in the negotiations ahead.”