Speaking in the House of Commons after the Prime Minister's statement on Article 50, George Freeman calls on the Government to redouble our commitment to domestic reform which is so key to industry, skills and infrastructure necessary for our post-Brexit economic prosperity and unity needed to succeed.
George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con)
May I congratulate the Prime Minister on the cool, constructive clarity and conviction that she has brought to this momentous period in British politics, and on her commitment today to negotiate a One Nation Brexit on behalf of everyone in all parts of this country—the 48% as well as the 52%?
Does she agree that we must also redouble our commitment to our programme reforms - our Industrial Strategy to support the innovation, infrastructure and skills which are so key to both our post-Brexit economic prosperity and for the spirit of unity of national purpose we will need to succeed?
Does she agree with me that the call to arms in her excellent letter to Mr Tusk:
“The task before us is momentous but it should not be beyond us" applies every bit to the different parties in this House as well, and that we should reject the shrill voices of Scottish and English nationalism to ensure that we pull together, not pull apart?
The Prime Minister
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The question people responded to in the referendum was about leaving the European Union, but I believe the vote to leave was also a vote for wider change in this country. That is why it is so important that we put forward and deliver our plan for Britain, for a stronger, fairer society for all—a country that really does work for everyone. It is important that right now we pull together and recognise that the task ahead is to ensure we get the right result for the whole of the United Kingdom.