AS THE Government begins negotiations on our exit from the EU, there is much talk of negotiating a Brexit that doesn’t put people’s jobs, our economy, and our future prosperity at risk.

Stroud voted overwhelmingly to Remain in the EU at the referendum, no doubt in part because people recognise the importance of the EU to prosperity and our small businesses, keeping our city in work.

Lib Dems at the General Election fought for Britain’s continued membership of the European Single Market.

I know that many people shared this view and want to see a different approach to Brexit.

The Lib Dems have tabled an amendment to the Queen’s Speech calling on the Government to keep Britain in the single market, to ensure that our businesses can grow and trade in the world’s biggest single market.

Our Labour MP David Drew described himself as a remain voter who favoured a ‘soft Brexit’ which retained links to Europe.

I hope he will therefore back the Lib Dems amendment to help keep Britain and Stroud in the European Single Market.

Many of those who voted for David – and those who lent their votes to Labour at this election - will be hoping for this outcome.

Cllr George Butcher

Stroud Liberal Democrats