There can be few occasions more important for Parliament that the vote this week on the proposed deal for our withdrawal from the European Union.

I’ve heard from people who voted on both sides of the referendum who want us to move forward now and secure a way forward that delivers on the result.

Having thrashed out a deal that enables us to take control of our laws, our money and our borders and brings to an end the jurisdiction of European courts in the UK whilst also protecting citizens rights, avoiding a hard border in Ireland and settling any financial disputes, I think we need to secure it.

There are still a wide range of views in Parliament as to the best future relationship between the UK and the EU after we have left, but the political declaration allows for a range of outcomes and it is only by moving forward with the negotiations that we can secure any of these.

It is only by ratifying the withdrawal agreement that we can secure the transition or implementation period that businesses tell us they need and move on into the discussions to secure the best trading arrangements for the future.

I have every confidence that the UK will succeed when we leave the EU, but I think the best way of doing that is to get this deal done.

We need to create certainty for business and for people living in this country.

I will be holding an event tomorrow at Worcester’s Guildhall to provide more information on how in all circumstances we will protect the rights of EU citizens who have made their homes here and how we are working to ensure the same protections are offered to UK citizens in the EU.

Meanwhile in my work as a local MP it has been a pleasure to visit some of Worcester’s excellent secondary schools, welcoming the progress at Bishop Perowne which means that every Worcester secondary is now rated good and visiting Blessed Edward to meet the new headteacher.

My campaigns for fairer funding continue and it is always good to hear directly from the frontline, the difference that can be made with the right support.

I also continue to press for more investment and support for our hospital, meeting the hospitals Minister last week.

I am looking forward to opening the new bridge and unlocking more bed capacity in the wards that it leads to, but getting the £29 million capital funding spent effectively and securing more support for staff and the new management team is a crucial priority.