STEPHEN Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has welcomed the Prime Minister’s letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk giving formal notification of our decision to leave the EU.
Mr Metcalfe said: “This is a momentous day in the history of our country.
“Following a well-informed and hard-fought referendum, the British public voted to leave the EU in larger numbers than we have seen in any recent General Election.
“I am pleased that this decision has been respected and it is now crucial that the Government focuses its efforts on obtaining the best possible deal in the exit negotiations.
“By no means will it be an easy process, however I am confident that both sides will want a mutual agreement and for the UK to leave on good terms.”
He added:
“In my role as Chair of Parliament’s cross-party Science and Technology Committee, I have already called upon the Government to prioritise the interests of science, particularly around the future of EU nationals in the UK.
“I hope that both sides will be able to provide reassurances to all our citizens—both EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals residing in other EU countries.
“On a wider level, after our exit from the EU we must continue to attract the most skilled workers and researchers from across Europe, including young people who choose to come to the UK to study.
“I am confident that this is achievable and I look forward to contributing to the ongoing debate on our relationship with the EU in Parliament.”
