Craig Williams MP has published his reasons for voting in favour of the Brexit Bill.

The result of the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, commonly known as the ‘Brexit’ Bill, has been widely reported in the press. This is the Bill that will confer power on the Prime Minister to notify, under Article 50(2) of the Treaty on European Union, the United Kingdom’s intention to withdraw from the EU. (Source – Simple Politics)

Craig Williams has just published his reasons in an email newsletter.

He says: “I voted in favour of the Bill. Throughout the referendum I committed, as a democrat, to respect the result and I do not take that promise lightly. This was not a referendum of just my constituency, Cardiff, or indeed Wales, this was a hugely important democratic decision by the entirety of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Given this, I believe that it would be democratically impossible to ignore the wishes of the electorate. The British people voted by a majority in June last year to leave the EU and more people voted in the referendum than at any general election since 1992. No Prime Minister or Government in British history has ever received as large a mandate. Parliament also voted by a majority of 373 to invoke Article 50 by March this year.”

“Throughout the referendum I committed, as a democrat, to respect the result and I do not take that promise lightly.”

He goes on to say, “It is clear that a significant factor in the vote to leave was a desire for the UK to regain its sovereignty. This means being able to control the numbers of people coming to this country from Europe and leaving the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. This can only be achieved by formally leaving the single market but retaining access through a free trade deal. Being out of the EU but still a member of the single market would mean complying with the EU’s rules and regulations without having a vote on what those rules and regulations are.

“I hope that this explains my position and, while I understand your passion in this matter, I hope you respect my decision to honour my promise and the UK Parliament’s promise to respect the result of the referendum.”

“I hope that this explains my position and, while I understand your passion in this matter, I hope you respect my decision to honour my promise and the UK Parliament’s promise to respect the result of the referendum.”

Craig concludes by offering to discuss the issue with constituents, “As always I am happy to meet face to face, Skype or speak on the telephone with anyone that is interested in this or any other topic facing our country at this time.”

 

• Brexit