The people of Havering, and particularly Romford, played a significant part in the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union.

Havering was the first UK elected authority to call for the UK to leave the EU. In the referendum itself in 2016, just shy of 100,000 voters, or 70 per cent, in Havering voted to leave. Turnout was a stunning 76pc.

When, in 2019, Brexit was threatened by those who refused to accept the democratic choice of the British people, Havering stood firm, returning two Conservative MPs with increased majorities and nearly electing a third Conservative MP, all committed to getting Brexit done.

The reward for this confidence in our nation has arrived. Boris Johnson brought back an agreement that I voted for and which gets Britain out of the Single Market and Customs Union, ends any role for EU courts over our country, while still giving us access to free trade with the continent.

As a ‘Spartan’ who voted against the previous ‘deal’ on three occasions, this vindicated my decision. Had that deal gone through, instead of being in a partnership of equals with the EU, our nation would now be suffering the humiliation of being forced into the EU’s ghastly ‘backstop’.

Thanks to the good sense and courage of the British people and those of us in Parliament who fought this battle, Boris has now been able to deliver a true Brexit. 11 pm on December 31, 2020 was a proud moment for our nation. We have many challenges to face, but in 2021, we can look forward to a brighter future as a free and sovereign nation.