Referendum – Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon KCB

Michael Speaks at the Chamber of Commerce Summer Reception

Chamber Reception_14-7-16_082 — Credit: Russell Harper

On Thursday, Michael addressed the annual Sevenoaks Chamber of Commerce summer reception. As Patron of the Chamber, Michael spoke about the impact of the EU referendum result for small businesses and the important role of the Chamber in the local economy:

Thank you Colonel.

It’s a pleasure to join you all tonight in this, the busiest week in politics since last week.

Every MP will tell you that they represent the best constituency in the country.

But clearly they’ve never been to Sevenoaks.

All of you here tonight, coupled with these beautiful surroundings, make that clearer than ever.

I always like to remind people that it is small and medium-sized businesses like some of those represented here tonight which make up 99 percent of the total in Britain.

In Sevenoaks, there are now 600 more businesses than there were six years ago.

Employing more people, producing more goods, selling more services.

That’s the equivalent of a new business being set up every three days.

Chamber Reception_14-7-16_047 — Credit: Russell Harper

So despite that success, or perhaps because of it, I know some of you are concerned about the result of the referendum on our EU membership and our current economic instability.

I would like to reassure you that our new Government, led by a new Prime Minister, is already working hard to restore the confidence and certainty that we need.

We are well prepared for the period of adjustment that lies ahead.

We will do whatever it takes to protect our economy.speech

We will forge new arrangements and trade deals.

We will make it work.

As we leave the EU, there will be lots of changes.

It will not be easy to negotiate a deal with the EU that controls immigration and recovers sovereignty while protecting our hard won economic growth.

But what will not change is the ingenuity, commitment and hard work of businesses like yours all around the country, but most of all here in Sevenoaks.

That’s always been valuable and I think its value will become even clearer in the coming years.

But the importance of your contribution demonstrates why the work of our Chamber of Commerce is so important.

I am always impressed by the range of the services and events that are on offer.

I am reliably informed that the new networking meetings are proving to be successful, as well as your recent charity golf day, your newsletter and the Curry Club.

It is with opportunities like these that our local economy can go from strength to strength. I encourage you all to make full use of them.

Finally, I would like congratulate the Chamber of Commerce on its achievements over the past year, and wish you all the very best of luck.

It’s now a pleasure to introduce Marc Vernet, headline sponsor of tonight’s event and owner of that stalwart of Sevenoaks for the past 25 years, Amherst Accountancy.

Thank you.

EU Referendum Result

Following the result of the EU referendum, Michael has released the following statement:

“The British people, including a majority in Sevenoaks, have given a clear instruction to the Government.

First, we must respect that decision and ensure it is implemented. Second, we must safeguard our trade with Europe and ensure that jobs and businesses involved in the EU market are protected. Third, whichever way we voted, we must all now work to bring the country together.”

EU Referendum Events

In advance of the referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union on 23rd June, Michael will be discussing his views at two local events:

On Thursday 9th June, Michael will attend an event hosted by Euclid Law at Donnington Manor Hotel in Sevenoaks. The event will begin at 7.30pm and tickets must be reserved in advance by emailing volunteer.sevenoaks@strongerin.co.uk.
On Thursday 16th June, Michael will participate in a debate chaired by Adam Boulton at Sevenoaks School beginning at 7.30pm. More information is available here.

Michael Supports Remaining in EU

Michael has announced his support for Britain remaining in the European Union following the conclusion of the Prime Minister’s renegotiation.

Michael said: “The Prime Minister’s renegotiation of our relationship with the EU is substantial. It will now give Britain special status within the EU and ensure our sovereignty is maintained, with the exemption from ‘ever closer union’.

Whether or not to remain in this reformed EU is a decision for the British people and my vote counts as much as anyone else’s.

I remain a Eurosceptic. But Britain’s national security is paramount and we are safer and stronger inside the EU: leaving would be a big gamble on an uncertain future.”

Voting for a EU Referendum

Michael has, today, voted for an EU Referendum. The bill passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons with 283 votes in favour to 0.

On supporting a referendum, Michael Fallon said: “People in Sevenoaks feel the EU is heading in a direction we never signed up to – that it’s costing British taxpayers too much and we have lost control of our own affairs.

Today’s lack of participation by Labour and the Liberal Democrats shows that they will not deliver a referendum and UKIP simply cannot. Only a strong, stable Conservative majority government can deliver this chance for the British people to have their say and I will continue to push for the people of Sevenoaks to have their voice heard.”

Scottish Referendum – We’re Better Together

This is a momentous and irreversible decision for the Scottish people on the future of the United Kingdom. As a Scot, born and educated in Scotland, my message to the Scottish people is simple: ‘We want you to stay’.

The United Kingdom is bigger, better and stronger together. The separatists have no answers to the most basic questions about independence, like what currency Scotland would use and how it could belong to the NATO alliance.

The choice is clearcut: a leap into the unknown with a Yes vote, or a brighter future for Scotland by voting No. That means remaining part of a United Kingdom, one of the greatest unions the world has seen, forging a more secure future in the world, and building more opportunities for our children and grandchildren.