We ‘Remainers’ need to be careful. Yes we voted to remain in the EU, yes we thought that was the best thing for our country, and yes we now know that many of the things said by both sides in the referendum campaign were utter tosh. But we lost because a majority of people in this country held a different view. I say it again – we lost.
So it bothers me a great deal that so many of my fellow MPs are so desperately wanting it all to fail. GDP growth remaining pretty constant – and healthy - all year despite the referendum? A fluke they cry. Unemployment continuing to fall? The books are cooked. Then this weekend we’ve heard that Nissan have committed to remaining in the UK after Brexit and its descended into an orgy of Britain bashing. The die-hard Remainers couldn’t celebrate the securing of those jobs or what it would signal to all other overseas investors. Nor could they reflect that this might all just mean that the UK is a pretty good place to make stuff. Instead, everyone insists there must have been a bribe. When it turns out that Government have simply indicated that their intention is to not impose tariffs on the motor industry – so effectively wishing to create a free market – they stomp off complaining that it should have been announced in Parliament first.
I voted to remain but the intellectual snobbery of some of those who voted with me is just extraordinary. I get endless letters about how Leave voters are uneducated, reading the wrong newspapers and incapable of assimilating the facts. Apparently, I should only listen to those who read the Guardian for only they are blessed with true insight into matters so complicated. Instead, I’m going to listen to the majority and make sure that Brexit happens. I’m also going to do my job and make sure that I contribute constructively in Parliament to help make sure we get the best deal possible. And instead of endlessly mourning the result of the referendum, I’m going to be positive about our great country and our obvious ability to stand tall in the world without an EU membership card in our pocket.