The Prime Minister Theresa May used her Lancaster House speech this morning to announce the government's objectives as the UK prepares to enter its EU withdrawal negotiations.

You can read the full transcript of the speech here, or you can watch it by using this link.

In the January 2017 SCCA member's In Touch, Heidi Allen MP outlines her thoughts on Brexit:

Post EU opportunities
There will undeniably be many challenges facing our country in the year ahead, but I know with Theresa May at the helm, we are in safe hands.

My main priority is to ensure the best interests of residents, businesses and our scientific and research institutions are protected as we start our negotiations to leave the EU.  While different, I am optimistic life outside the EU will undoubtedly be full of new opportunities – but there are some areas where existing arrangements must be replicated in some form.

I am unconcerned with labels so will not be drawn by blunt media descriptions of a ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ Brexit.  What is important, however, is we carve out a deal that is right for our economy.  Total freedom of movement seems unlikely and from my point of view, not an essential ask so long as we find a way of accommodating free movement of skills.

Locally we know our science, agriculture and academic sectors would struggle if we could not access vital skills.  While there is an argument for increased focus on developing home grown skills, this will neither help us overnight nor will it ever replace the world class brains we need to feed our Cambridge phenomenon; I will keep in close contact with affected organisations and continue to feed their concerns into the government.

Again, the phrase ‘single market’ is just that – a phrase.  So long as we maintain tariff free access to key areas of reciprocal trade, then I am unconcerned by any new label adopted.

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Heidi Allen MP
South Cambridgeshire
153 St Neots Road
Hardwick
CB23 7QJ

Phone
01954 212 707

E-mail
heidi.allen.mp@parliament.uk

Twitter
@heidiallen75

Website
www.heidisouthcambs.co.uk

Voting record in Parliament

www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/25348/heidi_allen/south_cambridgeshire

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