‘An important day in British history’: The view from Lincolnshire MPs as UK triggers EU divorce
Lincolnshire MPs have reacted with optimism, eagerness and in some cases slight trepidation as the UK officially begins the two-year process of leaving the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May will today trigger Article 50 — the mechanism by which the UK begins its formal departure from the EU — following the Brexit vote on June…
Lincolnshire MPs have reacted with optimism, eagerness and in some cases slight trepidation as the UK officially begins the two-year process of leaving the European Union.
Prime Minister Theresa May will today trigger Article 50 — the mechanism by which the UK begins its formal departure from the EU — following the Brexit vote on June 23, 2016.
Lincolnshire Reporter spoke to some of the county’s MPs to hear their thoughts on what promises to be a momentous day in the history of the country.
Below are their thoughts:
Matt Warman – Boston and Skegness
Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman. Photo: Lincolnshire Reporter
Today is an important day in British history: the day the Prime Minister will formally begin the process of taking the United Kingdom out of the European Union.
Just as holding the referendum on the EU was a promise made and a promise delivered, this too delivers on a promise to respect the will of the people.
The coming two years will not be straightforward, but the business of Brexit will be handled by a team of experienced statesmen and women – that should give voters of all persuasions the confidence to take the smooth with the inevitable occasional rough patch.
At the end, as I said before the referendum, I know the UK will thrive.
I hope that in the coming months people will see that democracy itself is a process that matters and can deliver real change.
That began in 2015 with the election of a government that promised a referendum: under Theresa May, we can be certain it will not end – outside the EU – in 2019 either.
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Nic Dakin – Scunthorpe
Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin
I am filled with sadness at the prospect of leaving the European Union. The UK’s relationship with the EU has shaped my adult life – contributing to the longest period of peace, freedom and prosperity ever in this part of the world.
But the people have spoken and we must respect their will.
It is now time to forge a new relationship that will be as durable and beneficial as that old relationship.
It is time to identify the opportunities and seize them whilst mitigating the risks.
It is time to take a deep breath and go for it!
Karl McCartney – Lincoln
Lincoln MP Karl McCartney. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
Today is an historic and wonderful day in the history of the United Kingdom – a day where we take back control of our laws, borders, trade and future.
I am confident that businesses across our city, county and country will grow as they take advantage of our role as a global trading country again, with a positive outlook, a healthy economy and a buccaneering spirit, un-cowed and unfettered by EU bureaucrats and their love of bureaucracy.
I am also hoping that we at last gain control of immigration – every year net immigration to this country is equivalent to the whole population of Nottingham, this situation has been allowed to continue for too long.
Positively I am sure our fishing fleet is also looking forward to regaining control of our fishing areas and ensuring our fishery businesses prosper rather than keeping the lights on in fishing communities across the EU.
My only regret is that in Parliament we have to listen all the time to some in the Labour Party, SNP and Liberal Democrats who want to overturn the result of the referendum including ignoring the majority of people who voted Leave in Lincoln and Lincolnshire, and across our great country.
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Martin Vickers – Cleethorpes
Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
Triggering Article 50 is good news.
All nations are shaped by their history and because of that history and our links with the Commonwealth and the wider world Britain decided not to become a member of the European Community when it was founded in 1957.
When we did eventually join it was ‘sold’ to British voters as an economic union; we never have and never would have committed to political union.
As such we have been ‘semi-detached’ members always seeking opt-outs from various policies.
Europe is in recession; our future is to expand our trade links with Asia, South America and the growing economies.
Brexit will be better for the UK, for Lincolnshire, and for my Cleethorpes constituency.
Melanie Onn – Great Grimsby
Great Grimsby MP Melanie Onn
I voted to trigger Article 50, even though I campaigned passionately to remain in the European Union, because I accept the result of the referendum and believe that it would have been wrong for MPs to have delayed the process.
As we start to detangle ourselves from over 40 years of collective policy it is important that we recognise that we are leaving the European Union, not Europe.
We must seek to protect fundamental workers’ rights, the economy, the rights of EU citizens making a living here in the UK, and continue to collaborate on national security.
I don’t want anyone to be poorer or have fewer opportunities as a result of the government’s final deal – that’s why it is essential that parliamentary scrutiny takes place.
Sir Edward Leigh – Gainsborough
Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
We took the first giant step last June when we voted in the referendum. Today we have taken the next big step, to formally notify the European Union of our intention to leave the organisation.
Whilst there is obvious uncertainty, we will after all, be the first country to leave the EU since Greenland in 1985 or Algeria in 1962 (upon gaining their independence from France) – a cautionary tale for Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP.
We can take comfort that we are a sophisticated first-world country; well placed to weather any turbulence from our departure.
A nation of shopkeepers as Napoleon once dismissed us saying “L’Angleterre est une nation de boutiquiers.”, but that entrepreneurialism, identified initially by Adam Smith, is precisely why we have the best chance of rising to the challenges of Brexit and delivering for this generation and all those that will follow a better tomorrow.
Caroline Johnson – Sleaford and North Hykeham
Conservative candidate in the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election, Caroline Johnson. Photo: Lincolnshire Reporter
Sleaford and North Hykeham voted strongly for Leave in the EU referendum, and I have given my full support to the Prime Minister in getting on with the job of triggering Article 50.
I am a committed Brexiteer and was not surprised by the result – for too long Westminster had failed to understand the genuine concerns of many people across the country.
I was proud to vote for the passing of this historic Bill and will continue to support the government to ensure as smooth a leaving process as possible, and to secure the best deal possible for the United Kingdom and for all of us in Lincolnshire.
Nick Boles – Grantham and Stamford
Nick Boles, Conservative MP for Grantham and Stamford. Photo: Policy Exchange
Many will know I voted Remain, but equally I have always been clear that Brexit would not be a disaster.
I accepted the result and I respect the views of the British people, as well as the democracy that we are so proud of as a country.
I’m very optimistic about the opportunities outside the EU and the things that we could achieve as a country, opening new doors and new possibilities for UK citizens and businesses.
I’ll do everything I can to support it, to help the government and Theresa May in any way I can and make sure that we get the best deal for all of us going forward.
Victoria Atkins – Louth and Horncastle
Louth and Horncastle MP Victoria Atkins
In the general election, I campaigned for a referendum and promised to honour the result of the referendum.
Accordingly, this month I voted with the government to trigger Article 50.
Wednesday, March 29 is an historic day for our country, when the Prime Minister gives formal notification to the EU of our intention to leave.
But this is just the start. The Prime Minister laid out our plan for Britain to make a success of our exit from the European Union and in international trade deals.
With this plan, I am confident that we will get the right deal for Britain.
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The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
The data shows that of the doses given, 47,430 people under the age of 80 have received their first vaccination and another 1,182 have been given their second.
Some 37,220 were aged over 80 receiving their first dose, with a further 1,568 receiving a second jab.
This means that 80% of all over 80s in the county have received the first dose of a COVID vaccine.
North and North East Lincolnshire are included in the Humber, Coast and Vale figures. In total in that area there have been 221,497 vaccines given, but more local detail is unavailable.
This week, all of Lincolnshire’s care homes received their first dose of vaccination after meeting planned targets of doing them by the weekend, according to local health bosses.
The NHS vaccination team delivered tens of thousands of vaccinations to all of the 202 elderly homes in the county.
In North Lincolnshire, almost every care home resident and staff have been vaccinated as well as the vast majority of people over 80.
People will be called on by their GPs to book a vaccine appointment when it’s available in their area.
A quirky coachhouse within sight of Lincoln Cathedral has been put on the market for just under £1 million.
JHWalter listed the property on James Street on Thursday, January 28, valuing it at £900,000.
The four-bedroom home is located in the secluded cathedral quarter of Lincoln, hidden behind stone walling in one of the city’s most desirable areas.
Your view of Lincoln Cathedral from the garden. | Photo: JHWalter Lincoln
It also comes with five bathrooms, a parking courtyard protected by electric gates, a bespoke kitchen and underfloor heating throughout the ground floor.
Let’s take a look inside:
One of the two brightly coloured reception rooms. | Photo: JHWalter Lincoln
The refurbished build comes with four bedrooms. | Photo: JHWalter Lincoln
A kitchen with so many different designs it looks like Willy Wonka lives here. | Photo: JHWalter Lincoln
Integrated appliances with four settings on the taps. | Photo: JHWalter Lincoln
The bathroom decor is modern, in contrast with the house. | Photo: JHWalter Lincoln
Peeking out the window to see Lincoln Cathedral. | Photo: JHWalter Lincoln
A man who slashed the face of his victim during an incident at a flat in Skegness has been jailed.
Joseph Finney had spent the evening drinking in his flat along with the victim and another man when a dispute broke out in the early hours of the morning.
Jonathan Dunne, prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court that Finney mistakenly believed his medication had been stolen and during an incident that followed he sprayed one of the men, Paul Wade, with a fire extinguisher.
The two men ended up scuffling on the sofa and Finney then left the flat and went to see his landlord.
Mr Dunne said: “He claimed people in his flat were trying to rob him.”
Finney then picked up two knives and returned to his flat.
Mr Dunne said that Finney then slashed at Mr Wade leaving him with a deep cut to his cheek.
“Mr Wade has been left with a visible scar on his cheek. The incident has really knocked his confidence.
“His intention had been to settle in Skegness but as a result of this incident he felt the need to move somewhere new again.”
Finney, 49, of Burgh Road, Skegness, admitted a charge of unlawful wounding as a result of the incident on July 31, 2020. He was jailed for 18 months.
Lisa Hardy, in mitigation, said that he had complex mental health issues, but his life was changed when he developed a settled relationship with a woman.
Finney’s life then fell apart in February 2020 when the woman passed away and his mental health deteriorated.
She said that Finney’s flat had effectively been taken over by the two men who had been with him on the night.
The men held drink and drug parties and he found himself unable to sleep.
Miss Hardy said that Finney was sectioned just 48 hours before the knife incident but then went back home to his flat.
“The tipping point was that he had made a shrine to his partner. The two men in his flat started fighting and destroyed the shrine. He felt extremely threatened.”
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