AS I write this there appears to finally be some movement and a breakthrough on the stalled Brexit talks.

Unsurprisingly the cause of the stalemate has been money – specifically the financial offer to the EU as the UK leaves in 2019.

Like any divorce settlement, it has started with both sides in entrenched positions. But also like any divorce, negotiations will eventually move to a settlement.

There have been reports the UK has offered to double its £20billion offer.

Presumably the increased money is to move talks on to areas such as a future trade deal.

As I have written in this column previously, last year I voted remain but did so reluctantly and if given another opportunity I would vote to leave.

I see Brexit now as a real opportunity, and being freed from the chains of the EU body provides new opportunities.

Maybe it is because I voted remain, but I am able to see things from both sides.

I totally understand the worries of the 48 per cent. But I remain optimistic, even on aspects like the financial settlement.

Don’t get me wrong, I was never naive enough to think leaving wouldn’t come at a cost, but ultimately it is better to be out than in.

Figures like £20billion are being highlighted, but it should be remembered our total net contribution to the EU budget and institutions came to £11.4billion last year.

And people need to ask themselves, can you put a price on being able to shape a democratic country not ruled in an unaccountable way?

Can you put a price on being freed from a body working for it’s own self-interest, and not citizens?

There has inevitably been a focus on the money, but hopefully the other aspects of Brexit gain just as much attention.

For example, only this week we had Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar raising concerns about the potential for a hard border with Northern Ireland.

We need proper scrutiny throughout the process on these areas – we need to reach the right deal.

What doesn’t help is nonsense headlines such as ‘the mutineers’ front page from the Telegraph last week.

As many said on social media, scrutiny is not mutiny. Brexit offers proper representative democracy.