I didn’t enter politics to talk non stop about the EU or to go on some kind of Brexit crusade.
I entered politics to help “open doors for people” (a line from my maiden speech). My goal has always been to help the poorest and the most vulnerable, as well as forging a society where everyone has opportunities and chances. That’s why my passion is education. I believe in people and I don’t want an overburdening government that encroaches in their everyday life, but I do think everyone needs a step up and a hand up sometimes.
I understand the level of anger on the Brexit topic – believe me I share it. Not just because we have not yet done what we said we would, but also because it is dominating the parliamentary timetable and our ability to do anything else. This has to change – I want to get back to focusing on schools, the NHS, the environment and policing. I never anticipated this process would be easy, which is one of the reasons I voted remain. Now though, we need to move forward and get back to these vital topics.
I continue to work my socks off once again to try to get a deal over the line. I honestly believe it is in the best interests of our country to leave with a deal and I have spent the last few months trying to achieve just that. However I will never back a deal which is Brexit in name only – Leave must mean Leave and we must not be left with all the cons and without the pros of being in the EU like with the Common Market 2.0 idea or EFTA.
I believe is it my duty to stand up for what is best for our country and constituency. I currently receive hundreds of emails a day on Brexit and I try to knock on doors at least once a week – the vast majority of people tell me that we “need to get on with it” and give business and everyone the certainty that they deserve. This is my priority too.
We won’t all agree on Brexit but I ask that all comments are respectful because we must start to heal the divides and come together. To contact me email michelle. donelan.mp@parliament.uk
