Every so often an election comes along that will set the course for the country for a generation. The one on Thursday, June 8th is likely to be the most important of our lifetimes. The Government we elect will negotiate our future relationship with the European Union. It will set a new path for our country in the world.

The EU Referendum divided families, friends and political parties. These differences still resonate and old loyalties are sometimes not as strong they were. Bracknell constituency was almost evenly split on the issue. In divided times like these, the country needs strong and stable leadership to bring us all together. Even on those occasions when we may not agree with a leader’s choices, we instinctively know we prefer a leader whom we trust to set a path and see it through. That leader is Theresa May.

So, this election is about one issue – who is best equipped to lead our country at this critical point in our history? And the question to ask is - who will stand up for the national interest, now and in the future?

We need to stop thinking of Brexit as a series of slogans. There won’t be a ‘Hard’ or ‘Soft’ Brexit. There will be a series of decisions on both sides, some of which will lead to a more detached relationship with the European Union, some to a closer one.

I want the relationship to be in our country’s, our communities’, our families’ best interests. That means I want it to be as co-operative as possible around the shared challenges we face – particularly security – whilst remaining true to the instructions the public handed their Government last June. I will work hard, as part of Theresa May’s team, to make sure that the Bracknell constituency’s best interests remain an important part of our agenda.

Above all, the Government that handles the negotiations must have the determination to stand up for Britain, the confidence to make mutually agreeable settlements when necessary, and the experience to handle complex issues. It must also have the credibility that comes from the support of the British people.

I believe that only a Conservative Government, under Theresa May’s leadership, has the first three qualities. I hope that, on June 8th, the voters from the Bracknell constituency and across the country will provide the fourth by giving a Conservative Government their overwhelming endorsement.