GUEST COLUMN: Brexit must mean Brexit, by Gloria De Piero, Ashfield MP

A clear majority of people in Ashfield voted out and I respect that. The process of leaving the EU is going to be very complicated and the decisions taken will have profound implications on the country’s economy and people. But Brexit must mean Brexit. What is worrying is that the Government has offered no plan for what a Britain outside of the EU will look like and how we will achieve the best deal for our country.

There are certain aspects that need to be included: the rights of ordinary workers need protecting and British businesses which rely on trading with Europe need to have continued access to do so freely.

I want to know what it is my constituents want to see once we have left the EU so that I can press the Government to secure the deal you need. I will be launching a survey and I will share the details of this very soon.

I have previously mentioned the excellent plans of the Notts NUM Ex and Retired Miners Association to open a museum to document the coalmining history of this area and teach children about the days when coal was king. In order to open a museum, a building to house it is needed and the association is hoping to raise £250,000 in order to do this. A Speakers’ Evening is being held on October 28, at Festival Hall in Kirkby in aid of the appeal, where myself and many other Labour figures will be speaking. Tickets are £10 and available by calling 01623 416894 or email [email protected]. Anyone who wants to donate can also send a cheque payable to Ex and Retired Miners Association to Nottinghamshire NUM Ex and Retired Miners Association, 1st floor, Byron House, Commercial Street, Mansfield, Notts, NG18 1EE. Dig deep to help ensure our mining heritage is remembered forever.

Lastly this week I want to say congratulations to the staff and managers at Wren Hall Nursing Home in Selston. The home has been awarded ‘Beacon’ Status for its end of life care by the Gold Standard Framework Centre for the second time and has made the final of its Care Home of the Year award. This is an outstanding achievement so a huge well done to everyone involved.