I had a wonderful Christmas in West Sussex catching up with many members of my family and friends who I haven’t seen much since becoming an MP last summer. It was nice to spend some time at home and enjoy the combination of long bracing walks, relaxed lunches and log fires. Now back to reality and the return to Parliament.
On the political front, as we start the new year, we will move onto the next stage of our negotiations with the European Union. The second phase of the negotiations will be about our future partnership, including trade and security, and an implementation period to ensure a smooth and orderly exit from the EU. This will provide much drama I’m sure for politicians, political watchers and the media and we shall have to hold our nerve as the negotiations will be tough. The week in Parliament kicks off with the second reading of the trade bill which will provide the backdrop for the debate about continued membership of the single market and the customs union. The Government’s position is we must negotiate new bespoke agreements as to remain in the single market carries with it the obligation to continue to accept the four freedoms which includes the continued free movement of people. To remain in the customs union would mean we forgo our ability to negotiate our own trade agreements outside of the EU which is an important part of our future trade relationships. I’m sure this will continue to be debated until our negotiated new arrangements become clearer!
New Year is usually the time when we consider all the lifestyle changes we need to make to be healthier, fitter and happier. In true spirit of setting myself a number of goals I will struggle to achieve, I am determined to make more use of my membership of the gym at the Westgate Leisure Centre in Chichester. The new facilities are very impressive and state of the art….alas the move to London for part of the week has left little time to enjoy them – I must try to go at least once this month! I did check out the gym in Parliament but let’s just say it’s a bit old fashioned….!
Whatever your new year resolutions I wish you every success, much happiness and good health.