YOUR chance to quiz prime minister on her Brexit deal
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO BE PUT TO THERESA MAY
AS the debate in Westminster over how – and if – we leave the EU reaches a climax over the coming weeks, M.E.N. readers are being given the chance to directly quiz Theresa May on her proposed withdrawal agreement.
Readers can submit questions for the prime minister to answer about her deal, due to go before MPs on December 11.
A selection of them will then be put forward to Mrs May, and her responses will be reported.
Her 599-page agreement with EU leaders – the result of months of tense negotiation as MPs in her own party and on the opposition benches disagree vehemently about their ideal outcome – aims to define a broad transitional relationship with Brussels once we officially leave on March 29, one likely to last until at least the end of 2020.
It includes an end to freedom of movement, while allowing the three million existing EU citizens living in the UK to stay, and vice versa.
The deal would also see us leave the European Parliament and European Court of Justice, meaning the UK would no longer have any decision-making powers over EU law. For the duration of the transition the UK would still be subject to EU regulations, however, which the government argues would allow it to negotiate a long-term trade deal and help businesses to prepare for a future outside of the EU. The divorce bill, subject of much controversy following the referendum, would be set at £39bn, intended to cover the contributions the UK would have made to the block between March 29 and the end of the transition period. What many readers will want to know, however, is what the agreement will mean for them – whether that’s economy and jobs, flights to Europe, house prices or the impact of what the prime minister says is the only alternative, a ‘no deal’ exit from the EU at the end of March. Other people might want to ask about her views on a second referendum, a so-called ‘people’s vote,’ which she has ruled out. Inevitably, the M.E.N. won’t be able to put all questions to Mrs May, but ten will be selected that cover as broad a range of subjects and as many perspectives as possible. The prime minister, who will be hoping to persuade readers that hers is the best deal that can be struck with Brussels, told the M.E.N.: “The deal we’ve negotiated with the Theresa May EU is the right one for the people of Greater Manchester, and the whole of the UK.
“It protects jobs, livelihoods and our security, while taking back control of our laws, borders and money – delivering on that historic referendum result.
“Now I want to hear from M.E.N. readers what questions you have about what we’ve agreed, and what it means for you and your families. That way we can all get behind the deal, get on with the job of leaving the EU, and deliver a bright future for Britain after Brexit.”
Log on to www.manchester eveningnews.co.uk to find out how you can submit your questions by midday on Monday.