THE Prime Minister this week made her most significant speech on Britain’s future relationship with Europe, setting out her 12 negotiating objectives. She has been clear that we must be partners with our European friends and neighbours, but that we cannot be part-members of the EU.

I believe it is vital that the process of leaving the EU should be as constructive as possible – seeking the best possible deal for all of the UK, but ensuring strong links and cooperation with Europe that is in our mutual interest.

The clear emphasis from the Prime Minister is that Britain will retain a global outlook. The referendum result did not represent a stepping back from the world. The government will be seeking to conclude trade agreements outside the EU and ensure our access to the fast-growing export markets.

Businesses will be reassured that the government have reiterated their ambition to achieve the greatest possible access to the Single Market, through a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU, and a transitional arrangement that will minimise the risk of any ‘cliff edge’.

The PM’s objectives also included key principles such as protection of workers’ rights, control of immigration, reciprocal rights for EU nationals in Britain, and cooperation on crime and terrorism.

In a speech in the chamber on Tuesday, I encouraged the government to ensure the best deal for the agricultural sector and rural communities, taking full account of the complexities of the process. When I visited the fish-gutting plant at Downton, it was clear that it was staffed not by eighth generation Downton residents but by EU workers. We need the correct calibration of immigration policy to support the agricultural sector, alongside designing a domestic successor to the Common Agricultural Policy and ensuring that our farmers are not burdened by unnecessary regulation.

I am also pleased that the government have honoured in full their commitment to be accountable to Parliament by putting the final deal to a vote.

As I continue to engage in this vital area, I am confident that the government have a strong and comprehensive plan in place.