I’d like to wish all readers a Happy New Year and I hope that 2019 will be a prosperous and successful year for our local community.
2018 was nothing if not dramatic, whether it was the unexpectedly hot summer, England reaching the World Cup semi-final, Harry and Meghan’s wedding, or many other developments.
It was also a year of commemoration, 100 years after the end of the First World War, and the centenary of some, but not all, British women getting the vote.
This New Year could be very different to 2018, it may be challenging and possibly divisive, as crucial decisions lay ahead on Brexit.
I hope that differences of opinion will be respected, however difficult that will be for all of us at times.
I am concerned about Theresa May’s proposed deal, as I believe it is not in the national interest and could damage our local economy and harm our community. And, I do not accept the Government’s assertion that we either have to accept the proposed deal or have no deal.
After a delay of several weeks, Parliament is due to vote on the deal in the next few days and I plan to vote against it.
If the Government is defeated I believe there should be a General Election to allow a new Government to take over the negotiations, if that is not possible I believe all options should be on the table, including a public vote.
However, I do appreciate that some people will not agree with me.
I would like to hear from people with I different views and to talk to them about their perspective.
I have put out a survey to local residents and although many people have said they are also opposed to the deal proposed by Theresa May, there are a range of views. This survey is still continuing and is open online, please let me know what you think by completing it at mattroddamp.com/Brexit-deal
