Time for Brexit wounds to heal, say Shropshire MPs
MPs across Shropshire and Mid Wales today spoke of their hope that 2019 will see Britain's withdrawal from the EU finally resolved – and the wounds caused by the debate start to heal.
Those on all sides of the Brexit argument say they hope the new year sees the country come together and look to the future.
Daniel Kawczynski, Shrewsbury and Atcham MP, said he had "never known this country so divided in my lifetime".
But he said he hoped the healing process would begin on March 29 when the Britain leaves the EU.
"There are strong views on both side of this debate. Once we are out of the EU, it will be a responsibility for all of us to work towards creating a new sovereign state," he said.
"I hope we can put our differences aside and work together towards that."
Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, added: “I hope for a Brexit that sets Britain free, whilst still maintaining strong security and defence ties with Europe, and protects local jobs and industry. I also look forward to returning to a strong security and defence ties with Europe.”
Meanwhile, Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, said he wanted to see the Brexit debate settled.
Mr Dunne, the MP for Ludlow who voted to remain during the 2016 Brexit poll, said: “I’m hoping we will be able to deliver on the referendum result so we can get the Brexit debate settled, so the country can move on and focus on delivering a global Britain for the future.”
And Owen Paterson, the eurosceptic MP for North Shropshire, said he hoped the country would recognise the opportunities offered by leaving the EU.
He said: “There are 87 days before we leave the European Union. There is, therefore, much to look forward to in the coming year.
“By subduing the scaremongering, we can begin to look ahead at the wonderful opportunities of a clean, genuine Brexit.
Echoed
“We can do more to support our producers at home. We can boost rural productivity by allowing farmers to embrace the latest innovations, freed from the EU’s extreme technological risk aversion.”
Glyn Davies, MP for Montgomeryshire, echoed Mr Dunne’s sentiments.
“My main political hope has got to be to resolve the whole Brexit position and bring the country together.
“My personal view is we should get behind the Prime Minister’s withdrawal agreement, leaving with a good relationship with our current EU partners.”
“More locally, I want to see a start made on the ground with the new emergency centre at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital,” said Mr Davies.
“And I would also like to see Wales win the Rugby World Cup.”
Telford MP Lucy Allan said she too hoped to see progress on healthcare in the region – although she stressed that Telford must have the services it needs to support its population.
"As announced in 2018 we will see a record £312m being spent on our hospital care in Shropshire as the Future Fit Project finally begins the implementation phase," she said.
"Local clinicians have not yet decided exactly how they will spend that money. We must make sure Telford gets the services our growing population needs."
Ms Allan said she expected to see more skilled jobs coming to the town as it developed its role as a key centre for advanced manufacturing.
“Our shopping centre and restaurants will continue to see increased footfall as we reap the benefits of a strong local economy. Our schools will see more funding as Telford comes out on top in the school funding formula changes.
