The last month has seen a flurry of successes for the UK on the international stage, from the deal with France aimed at stopping the small boats, to the conclusion of the Windsor Framework and the kick-off of AUKUS. I’d like to take the time to tell you more about what we have been doing and how it will help communities in South Staffordshire.
Agreement with France to Tackle Channel Crossings
Just over a month ago, the Prime Minister signed a landmark £500m agreement with France to tackle illegal migration across the English Channel. I know that this is an issue that many in South Staffordshire care deeply about and that the use of local hotels to house migrants has been a cause of great concern. I am convinced that this new package of measures will stem the increase in crossings – making a real difference in South Staffordshire and beyond.
The increased funding will boost French law enforcement efforts, with an extra 500 officers patrolling beaches and the establishment of a joint command centre that brings together French and British expertise. The teams on the ground will be supported by state-of-the-art surveillance technologies and drones, so that boats can be intercepted before they have even left the shores of France.
I welcome the steps the Prime Minister is taking to break the business model of the criminal gangs, and it is my sincere hope that this is the first step in the path towards securing our borders and reducing the pressures that illegal migration places on local communities.
Windsor Framework
I was also heartened by the adoption of the Windsor Framework back in March, and I am particularly pleased to see that the Framework safeguards the terms of the Good Friday Agreement while securing the territorial integrity of the UK.
Like many of you, I understand the importance of ensuring that Brexit is delivered equally across all corners of the UK, whether in South Staffordshire or Belfast. This agreement protects Northern Ireland’s position within the Union by removing the barriers to trade that had disrupted the flow of essential goods such as medicines. Furthermore, the framework gives the UK government the all-important power to veto the implementation of EU laws, should they be of concern to the devolved government.
The Windsor Framework is the fruit of 3 years of negotiations with the EU, and I strongly believe that it demonstrates Global Britain’s dedication to positive and constructive diplomacy. Fundamentally, it is a firm statement of our commitment to guaranteeing that Northern Ireland can stand alongside the rest of the UK in reaping the benefits of Brexit to their very fullest.
AUKUS
I am excited by the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that the first generation of AUKUS nuclear submarines will be based on designs pioneered by the UK and built in part by British industry.
At a time when Britain is stepping on to the world stage, I am convinced that it is more important than ever to promote our world-class design expertise and strong industrial tradition. The first SSN-AUKUS submarines will be built in Barrow-in-Furness and will create thousands of jobs both there and elsewhere in the national supply chain, including in nearby Derby. I am confident that British industry is ready to rise to the occasion and to showcase its abilities on the global stage.
Moreover, by arming Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and deepening intelligence-sharing, the UK is contributing to the development of a truly global capability, as well as ensuring regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
When I was Secretary of State for Defence, I greatly enjoyed working on an agreement to supply Australia with frigates that were to be designed and built by BAE Systems. It is fantastic to see that this partnership has blossomed into AUKUS, and I am optimistic about the positive impact this will have on the many businesses in South Staffordshire that support our defence industry.
This cooperation will place Britain at the forefront of defence and security innovation – a step which is key to promoting the industrial prowess of Global Britain, as well as ensuring that the UK is kept safe from harm for years to come.
All in all, I am encouraged by what has been achieved over the last four weeks, and I believe that these steps will have real and tangible benefits both at home and abroad.
