Leaving the EU

Brexit

The UK is leaving the EU. This decision was made by the majority of those who voted in the EU referendum. Parliament and Government will now deliver the will of the people. In every vote in Parliament, I have respected the result and sought to give Theresa May the strongest hand to negotiate a good settlement, and new trading relationship, with the 27 remaining EU members. Regardless of votes case last June, it has to be in the interest of everyone in the UK that we move forward and focus on getting the best deal for our nation.

During the EU referendum, I wrote to all of my constituents to provide information and an invite to eight public meetings across the constituency. During these meetings, I explained, with balance, what the legal process would be if the UK voted to leave and what reforms would occur if we remained. I took this stance because I strongly believe that referendums are for the people, and not politicians, to influence. By remaining balanced, I was able to help, rather than lecture. When it came to it, I cast my vote to remain and made this public on polling day. Having not campaigned for one side or the other, I was always going to be entirely comfortable carrying out the mandate of the side which gained the most votes.

With Article 50 having been triggered, Parliament is now in the process of ensuring that all EU laws and rights which exist for UK citizens are transferred to UK legislation so, on the day we leave the EU, all rights will remain as previously granted. This bill is called the EU Withdrawal Bill. You can find more news, published articles and information on the EU Withdrawal Bill and the UK’s negotiations with the EU below:

 

News

General Election 2019

I will now be fighting my third General Election in less than 5 years. It has been an immense privilege to have served the residents of the Bexhill and Battle constituency since 2015. The national picture has been challenging.

October 2019 Brexit Update

Hundreds of constituents have contacted me recently regarding the latest developments around the UK leaving the EU.

Rugby Success Thwarts MP Brexit Meeting

 

Following England’s semi-final victory over New Zealand, Bexhill and Battle MP, Huw Merriman, has opted to postpone his Brexit update meeting for constituents which clashes with the Rugby World Cup Final on the morning of Saturday 2 November.

Speed up Brexit, slow down speeding cars

In my last column, I wrote about Parliament being prorogued, and our subsequent return to Westminster when the Supreme Court ruled the suspension to be unlawful. As a result, I’ve spent two weeks back in Parliament and we have just been prorogued again.

Watch: No-deal Brexit - Short Positions against the Pound

On Monday I asked the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government had prepared for any hit to GDP in the lead-up to a possible no-deal Brexit, following news that some hedge funds could profit.

Watch: Huw Questions the Prime Minister again

Yesterday in Parliament will not go down as one of our finest days. Far too much bitterness. Not enough unity to bring everyone together behind a Brexit deal.

Watch: Huw questions the Foreign Secretary on the Brexit negotiations

On the first day back after Parliamentary recess I questioned the Foreign Secretary on whether we have the resources to negotiate a good deal to leave the EU. The Foreign Secretary assured me that resources had been strengthened and increased in Brussels and across the capitals of the 27 EU member states with a commitment to leave at the end of October.