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Robert Courts MP

MP for Witney & West Oxfordshire
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On 23rd June 2016 the British people took the historic decision to leave the European Union.  The EU referendum was the largest democratic exercise in our nation's history, with more people voting to leave the European Union than have voted for any party or prime minister in history.

Despite long-favouring membership of a reformed EU, I ultimately voted to leave in June 2016.  Having tried and failed to re-negotiate the terms of our membership, it became very clear that this was an inflexible, undemocratic body that was incapable of fundamental reform.  I therefore voted to leave on the basis that the EU was heading for an undemocratic federalism that the UK has never desired and, above all, because I wanted to see our historic democratic freedoms preserved.

I believe that a fundamental right of a free people is to have the dignity of choosing peacefully at the ballot box who shall govern them.  That government derives its just powers from the collective consent of the electors.  Our political liberty was won over centuries through immense struggle and at great cost.  It is only real when it is possible to vote out the ultimate source of legislation and institute a new government better suited to the needs and desires of the people.  Within the EU, that is not possible: European Union law is supreme and UK electors cannot remove the executive branch of European government, the European Commission.

I think our nation's long-term interests are best served if we are a functioning democracy, preserving our unique parliamentary freedoms, where our country's destiny is in the hands of the British people.  

Being the first MP who was elected to Parliament following the EU referendum, I am keen to ensure that Brexit reflects the long-term interests of our country and, crucially, the people of West Oxfordshire who have elected me.  As I speak to constituents, regardless of whether they voted to leave or remain, we are united in wanting to see our country thrive and remain an open, tolerant society.  We all want to enjoy a friendly, co-operative relationship with our European friends as we withdraw from the bureaucratic structures of the EU.

Throughout this process I will work towards a Brexit that is in the best interests of West Oxfordshire and ensure we seize this historic opportunity to build a more democratic, free and prosperous nation.

News

iamvotingforadeal

Robert Supports UK-EU Free-Trade Agreement

Wednesday, 30 December, 2020

Today has been a historic day as Parliament votes on legislation to implement the agreement on our future relationship with the EU. It is, most importantly, a day that offers us a chance to end not just the last four years of discord, but the last forty.

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The Telegraph: Free Trade with our Aussie and Kiwi Allies is a No-brainer

Thursday, 18 June, 2020

Chocolate fish. Words that will bring back happy memories to anybody who has lived in or visited New Zealand. These delicious pieces of marshmallow covered in chocolate are “as Kiwi as…” and are popularly given as treats or rewards for a job well done.

Brexit

Robert Comments on Brexit Day

Friday, 31 January, 2020

At 11pm tonight, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. This marks the start of a fresh chapter in our nation’s history, as we chart a new course in the World as an independent, self-governing nation.

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Robert Welcomes Announcement of December General Election

Tuesday, 29 October, 2019

Speaking after voting in favour of a General Election on Thursday 12 December, Robert said: "We have faced an usually high amount of elections in West Oxfordshire in recent years but, with Parliament deadlocked, it's clear that a General Election is now the best option to break the impasse so the

RACBrexit

Daily Telegraph: This Deal May Represent Our Last Chance to be an Independent, Sovereign Nation Again

Friday, 18 October, 2019

When Boris took office just under three months ago, his key pledge - to negotiate a new Brexit deal, ‘bin the backstop’, and take the UK out of the EU on 31st October - was met with scorn in Brussels and much of Westminster.

Brexit

Robert Backs Boris' New Brexit Deal

Thursday, 17 October, 2019

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Parliamentary vote on the Prime Minister’s new Brexit deal, Robert said:

“The Prime Minister has battled against all odds and secured a great new deal for our country.

Robert Provides Update on UK Proposals for a New Brexit Deal

Thursday, 3 October, 2019

Yesterday evening I attended a briefing with the Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay at 10 Downing Street. It is clear that the proposals the Government has presented to the EU are workable, reasonable and demonstrate our desire for a deal.

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BrexitCentral Article: The Hypocritical Lib Dems Want to Ignore the Result of the Brexit Referendum they Demanded a Decade Ago

Monday, 16 September, 2019

The below article featured on the BrexitCentral website on 16th September 2019.

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Robert Comments on Decision to Prorogue Parliament

Wednesday, 28 August, 2019

The current Parliamentary session is the longest since the Civil War and we are long overdue a new one.

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Witney Gazette Column - EU Election Results Show the Need to Heal UK

Wednesday, 5 June, 2019

Much has been written about the recent European Election results and what they do and do not tell us about where the country sits on the EU question.

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Brexit Survey

Brexit Survey

Regardless of how you voted in the referendum in 2016, I want to hear your views.  We all need to work together if we are to make a success of our withdrawal from the EU.  So please do let me know your views here!

Robert Courts MP Member of Parliament for Witney & West Oxfordshire

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ConservativesPromoted by Ian Galletley, on behalf of Robert Courts MP, both at West Oxfordshire Conservative Association, 58-60 High Street, Witney, OX28 6HJ.
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