Shropshire Star

Brexit deal talks are positive, says MP Glyn Davies

Positives and a sense of optimism have come from the first day of Brexit negotiation talks, according to an MP.

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Glyn Davies

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies was a staunch supporter of leaving the European Union, and that view was echoed by his constituents as Powys also voted for Brexit.

Britain’s negotiator David Davies was in Brussels as talks began on striking a deal with the European Union, almost a year after the British public had their say.

Montgomeryshire’s MP believes the talks seem positive, and the clarity on finally leaving the EU is what everyone wanted. He said: “It was a truly historic day and things seem to have gone rather well.

“There seem to have been discussions on ex-pats rights, a financial settlement, the Good Friday Agreement and an Ireland common travel area. As we knew, discussions on our future relationship will begin when sufficient progress is made, but I sense the optimism level has been raised a bit.

“It seems to have gone down in a positive way, and Britain have hit the ground running in negotiation talks. People wanted the clarity on leaving the EU, some people didn’t think it was going to happen and didn’t want it to happen but now have that clarity it is positive and we can move forward.”

Under fire Prime Minister Theresa May has said publicly in the past that ‘no deal is better than a bad deal for Britain.’

However Mr Davies believes people have obsessed about this, and not looked at the fact that both parties want to strike a deal.

He added: “People have been obsessed with this no deal is better than a bad deal, that is true, but both sides do want a good deal. Nobody wants there not to be a deal.

“I think this has created a lot of negative publicity around the negotiations, but both sides can see benefits and both sides want a good deal.”

Talking on the impact of Brexit on Mid Wales, Mr Davies welcomed comments from minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove on Monday, saying getting out of the Common Agricultural Market (CAP) would be the best thing for British farmers.

Mr Gove said: “We believe we can get a good deal for Britain.We want to forge new trade deals with other countries. There are huge opportunities in being outside the European Union. Taking back control of our territorial waters means that we can revive the fishing industry. Getting out of CAP means that we can ensure that our farmers are better protected than ever before. We can also ensure that we have higher environmental and animal welfare standards.”

Mr Davies believes the comments should have been focused on more by the national media, and praised Mr Gove for his intentions. He added: “The biggest issue in Mid Wales involving Brexit is the CAP, and the impact changes will have.

“We always knew changes would be on the way, but I welcome what Michael Gove said, it is encouraging.”