Public meetings are a fantastic way for me to hear and understand the views and concerns of my constituents, which is why I hold them regularly across the constituency. During these meetings a whole host of issues are discussed, from potholes to the NHS. Brexit however, is always the most popular issue people want to talk about most.
As an MP, it’s important to engage with constituents and ask them for their view on the issues that matter to them most, which is why I hosted a public meeting dedicated to discussing Brexit, inviting local residents to discuss their views on our exit from the EU.
The venue was packed full with nearly 200 people both old and young from across the constituency with questions ranging from our trading relationship with the European Union to the likelihood of a second referendum and our future immigration policy.
During the referendum we were told by Project Fear 1.0 that by merely deciding to leave the EU we would see economic collapse, mass unemployment and higher taxation as a result.
The reality is that there are over half a million more people in work because British business has the confidence to invest and create jobs in the UK. This confidence is especially clear when I visit local businesses who are looking to remain and expand in the local area, creating new jobs and investing in people locally.
Now, Project Fear 2.0 is resorting to suggesting that Brexit will see our marmite supplies come under threat and that we will no longer have enough sandwich fillers. Yet just a few days ago Marmite’s producer Unilever committed to remaining in the UK and just last month we also saw the iconic luxury French brand Chanel choose to relocate to England to become the home of its new office.
Project Fear hasn’t stopped Britain being an attractive place for businesses both at home and internationally and because of this, good jobs will continue to be created for British people and our economy will become stronger in the future.
It’s clear that local residents here in Bolton West and Atherton have seen through these scaremongering attempts. Since being an MP, I’ve knocked on thousands of doors and spoken to thousands of constituents and it was clear that a vast majority of them had made up their mind on the EU long before any of these campaigns started.
When the possibility of a second referendum was raised it was clearly unpopular with the vast majority of people at the meeting. Contrary to the view of those campaigning for a second referendum, those who voted leave knew what they were voting for and don’t like being told that they’re ignorant or bigoted. They want to take back control of our laws, borders, money and trade.
One of the contributors at the event tried to engineer as much conflict as possible, talking about leave voters being motivated by “far-right” reasons and creating race hate, saying that I, as a Christian, should not be able to sleep at night because I did not agree with him.
We ought not to mistake the loudest voices as those that represent the majority. It was clear in the referendum result that there is a silent majority in this country, made up of the millions of people who were clear when they exercised their democratic right and voted to leave the European Union, contrary to what those with the loud voices are claiming.
This is why I will continue to listen to the voices of my constituents so I can represent their views on all the issues they raise but since the in particular importance of Brexit at the moment, I’m planning to host more public meetings on Brexit as we draw closer to the deadline next March. To find out more about these events, keep an eye on my Facebook page where I will announce the dates.