Christmas for me this year was quite different from normal, as I have been stuck in London due to Tier 4 restrictions.

It was very sad not to be at home in Dorset, for the first time in 39 years.

Despite this period traditionally being holiday season, I have spent each day this week in my office in Westminster reading up on the EU Trade Agreement, and I have voted to support it.

At 11pm Friday night, we will have left the EU Customs Union as well as the Single Market. We have achieved one of the most innovative free trade agreements in the world based on zero tariffs and zero quotas.

We start the New Year with renewed spirit to continue growing out trading opportunities across the world.

Whilst I know some of our fishermen would like more access to fishing stocks, more quickly, we are in a stronger position from 1st January where our UK fishermen will be able to increase their catch by 15% next year and a further 10% until the end of the fishing transition period, where we will have a full annual negotiation, similar to our agreement with Norway.

What’s more, the new Turing scheme that replaces our participation in Erasmus will offer greater international opportunities for our students across the world, especially those from less-advantaged backgrounds.

As the only West Dorset candidate at last year’s general election who committed to deliver Brexit, I am very pleased that we, as a community, are now able to draw a line under these contentious years that have passed since 2016 and to focus on the future and the opportunities across both Europe and the World.

Finally, I very much wish that you, your families and your friends have a Happy New Year.

CHRIS LODER

WEST DORSET MP