AFTER more than four decades since we last had a vote on EU membership, the country has had another chance to voice its opinion on our continued membership of the EU.

Over 72 per cent of people turned out to vote and the result was a small majority in favour of leaving.

But we have already seen a petition calling for another election to have another go, to get a ‘better’ result.

I was very much in favour of the UK remaining in the EU. Having another referendum would be something that could give that result.

But we have had our national poll and Wyre Forest voted overwhelmingly in favour of leaving the EU.

So before anything else, I represent the interest and the views of this constituency and that is why I believe it is the right thing to speak up on behalf of Wyre Forest residents and reject any calls for a second referendum. You have spoken: I will represent your views and wishes.

So, what of the future?

We have no idea where we are going with this. There was no mani- View from Westminster festo for “out” so one has to be written. We face economic chaos and it is my job to help Wyre Forest navigate through this.

We have achieved a great deal here in Wyre Forest – falling unemployment, new business investment – and my job is to both secure all our achievements and build on it.

As a member of the Treasury Committee, I will be taking part in two important investigations that we will be starting immediately.

The first looks at financial stability.

What will happen to our banking system? Financial markets? Our ability to pay for the budget deficit?

This is important and vital so we do not face another financial crash.

The second looks at options for “out”. What sort of deal do we want? How do we want to trade with the EU? What do we need to do to secure trade deals with the rest of the world – a world we already trade with under terms set by the EU.

These are huge questions and the weeks and months ahead will be crucial for our future. We will fight for the best deal for the UK and I will fight for the best deal for Wyre Forest.

CONTACT YOUR MP

Email: mark.garnier.mp@parliament.uk

Telephone: 020 7219 7198 or 01562 746771

Write: 9a Lower Mill Street, Kidderminster, DY11 6UU, or House of Commons, Westminster, London