Brexit

Like many of you, I would much rather be in the EU. However, having lost the referendum, we need to make the best of it. We need to ensure we build a fruitful partnership with Europe that is fit for the future. Boris Johnson’s deal with the EU, signed on Christmas Eve, is not good enough and can’t be the last word. That is why my team and I on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee led an inquiry into this very subject: “From a Common Understanding to Common Ground: Building a UK-EU Strategic Partnership fit for the future,” which was published in March 2026. You can read the full report here.  

I am also pleased that the Government signed a landmark defence and security pact with the EU at the first UK-EU summit in 2025. But our defence industry should have access to SAFE which is fundamental to rebuild Europe’s defence. I support further strengthening economic ties between the UK and EU by tearing down many of the unnecessary present barriers to trade and helping alleviate the pressures facing businesses and consumers here in Islington South & Finsbury.