Matthew has congratulated Theresa May on the Government's 12 negotiating objectives for Britain leaving the EU.
He welcomed the Prime Minister's comments that we are not seeking partial membership of the EU or anything that leaves us half-in, half-out. He said: "The referendum last June was not simply a vote to leave the EU, it was message from the British people that they want change and that is what the Government intends to deliver."
The Government's 12 negotiating objectives have one main aim: a new, positive and constructive partnership with the EU that will make Britain stronger, fairer and more global.
1. Certainty - wherever possible. And the Government will put the final deal that is agreed between the UK and EU to a vote in both Houses of Parliament.
2. Control of our own laws - an end to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in Britain.
3. Strengthen the Union - working to ensure that, as powers are repatriated back to Britain, the right powers are returned to Westminster and the right powers are passed to the administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
4. Maintain the Common Travel Area with Ireland - no border checks for those travelling between Northern Ireland and the Republic, while also protecting the integrity of the United Kingdom’s immigration system.
5. Control of immigration - control of the number of people who come to Britain from Europe.
6. Rights for EU nationals in Britain, and British nationals in the EU: guaranteeing as soon as possible the rights of employment and residency for EU nationals already here, provided it is reciprocated for British citizens in EU countries.
7. Protect workers’ rights - retain EU protections within new UK laws.
8. Free trade with European markets - a trade agreement that would allow for the freest possible trade in goods and services on a fully reciprocal basis - but not membership of the EU’s Single Market which would mean complying with European Court of Justice rulings, free movement and other EU rules and regulations without having a vote on what those rules and regulations are.
9.New trade agreements with other countries - Britain to become a global trading nation with trade agreements around the world. EU Customs Union membership prevents us from doing this.
10. The best place for science and innovation - continue to collaborate with our European partners on major science, research and technology initiatives.
11. Co-operation in the fight against crime and terrorism - practical arrangements to increase co-operation on matters of law enforcement and intelligence.
12. A smooth, orderly Brexit - an agreement about our future partnership by the time the two year Article 50 process has concluded. From then on, a phased process of implementation - no sudden cliff-edge.