DAVID Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, has written the following article for The Northern Echo.
 

"WHEN the Prime Minister stood on the steps of Downing Street and made her first speech, she had a clear message — this government would forge a new positive role for the UK in the world.

And that work began formally this week. Today, the Prime Minister sent a letter to the President of the European Council, notifying him of our intention to leave the European Union.

We will now have two years to agree the terms of our exit and shape the new relationship that we’ll have with our friends and neighbours in Europe.

Our objectives are clear. We want a bold and ambitious new partnership with the EU, underpinned by a comprehensive free trade agreement.

It should be one that works for the people across the Tees Valley and the North-East as a whole.

Our new place in the world presents an unrivalled opportunity to build on the economic success seen in this region in recent years. There are 23,000 more businesses across the North East than there were in 2010, and there are now 1.21 million people in work — a near record high. Major companies like Nissan and TSB have given this region a vote of confidence.

Of course, many businesses in the area trade with companies on the continent — and EU exports to the UK are worth around £290 billion a year.

So it will be in noone's interest to erect unnecessary barriers to trade.

At the same time, we will work tirelessly to strengthen our relationships with countries further afield.

Because when we leave the EU we will be free to forge our own trade deals.

We’ve already heard from countries like New Zealand, Canada, China, Australia and the United States that they're keen to forge new links with the UK.

Outside the EU, the UK will be in charge of its own affairs. So today the Government is announcing plans to end the authority of EU law and make sure that all the decisions that affect this country are made here in a White Paper on the Great Repeal Bill.

We will also design a new immigration system - one that will enable us to bring numbers down to sustainable levels, but also works in the national interest.

Leaving the EU will not mean pulling up the drawbridge, and Britain will always welcome the brightest and best to its shores.

And for the European nationals who are already making an important contribution to Durham and the Tees Valley economy, we are clear.

We want to protect their status, and that of UK nationals in the EU, at the earliest possible point in the upcoming negotiations. I am encouraged that our EU allies also see this as a priority.

So this week marks an important turning point in our country’s history.

It is the week we begin building a global Britain. By working together I am confident we can grasp the exciting opportunities ahead."