BREXIT continues to generate a large number of emails from constituents. As before the vote, these are evenly divided between those who think the government needs to be pushing for a sharper break with the EU and others who want to keep much closer ties with Brussels or overturn the referendum result.

Last week’s speech by the Prime Minister in Florence is another key step on the country’s journey towards exiting the EU in March 2019. The speech was important because it emphasised that the government seeks a bespoke agreement that respects the referendum result but acknowledges the unique history that our country has with EU countries. Theresa May rightly stressed the need to ensure the maximum level of certainty for businesses.

We will be leaving the EU, including the single market and customs union, to deliver the wishes of the electorate last year. But we are also looking to negotiate an implementation period of around two years, to ensure that we do not face a cliff-edge scenario in March 2019. The PM made it clear that this will be strictly time-limited and not a back door to remaining within the EU.

Although I voted Remain in last year’s referendum, I was primarily concerned about the impact of leaving upon our economy and I am still of the view that we need to make sure that economic stability and growth are prioritised as we leave. Arbitrary short exit timetables for the sake of it may not serve job security and the economy well.

At the same time, I have been pleasantly surprised that some of the worst fears about the immediate impact of the referendum result have not been realised. This does not mean we no longer face significant risks going forward but, by most evaluations, we are in better shape at this stage than was thought likely 15 months ago.

I realise that Brexit remains a controversial issue. Salisbury was one of the constituencies that came closest to a 50-50 result, with a narrow lead for those voting Leave. I am, therefore, determined to support the government as it delivers Brexit in a way that respects the verdict of the majority but also prioritises the needs of the economy and gives early certainty to EU citizens who live and work in our community.