My contribution to the UK EU Trade Bill

Mr Speaker, this day will be remembered for centuries to come as a great act of democracy and a great act of independence!

The extraordinary memories of the Referendum campaign are still with me – that Wembley Debate which showed the strength of feeling for both Remain and Leave;  then being on the BBC on Referendum night just as David Dimbleby called it for Leave. He turned to ask me how I was feeling.  I punched the air with delight and he curled his lip...

And since then the incredible struggle in this Place - with a Speaker intent on facilitating the denial of democracy and convention, and colleagues on all sides, even, Mr Speaker, Cabinet colleagues, determined that ‘they knew better than the people’.  

Well I want to pay tribute to my Rt hon friend for Maidenhead for her incredible determination to get Brexit done. History will show the extent of her personal contribution.

But today’s Bill is the final magnificent step in a multi year struggle to fulfil a democratic decision, and give us the freedom to make our own laws and to write the next chapter in our great history.  

The UK will, I have no doubt, become a global champion for free trade, for human rights, for the economic benefits of decarbonisation and for the brilliance of scientific innovation.  

Mr Speaker, I congratulate the Prime Minister and his negotiating team for their herculean efforts on getting this trade deal over the line. 

The deal returns sovereignty and full political and economic control to our own shores. 

Businesses can take advantage of the first free trade deal with zero tariffs and zero quotas; 

There’s an end to free movement; 

NI’s place in the UK is protected;

We are outside of the EU State Aid regime;

And there is no role for the European Court of Justice;

After a year of COVID misery, the sunlit uplands are firmly on the horizon.  The Oxford vaccine will give us back our lives and this Trade Deal will give us back our liberty.

So I say to all Colleagues today, support this deal, support the will of the people. Thank you.