THIS week, Wycombe MP Steve Baker writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers:

The country has a new Prime Minister. Whether you are a Boris fan or not, the result of the leadership election was the most-noticed news story last week.

In his first statement to Parliament, the Prime Minister made it clear the Government’s mission is to deliver Brexit on 31st October.

To do otherwise would cause a catastrophic loss of confidence in our political system and would leave the British people wondering whether politicians could ever be trusted again.

He underlined the Government’s commitment to negotiating with the EU in good faith but said if the EU does not reconsider its refusal to change the withdrawal terms, then the country will have to leave without an agreement.

If this should happen, the Government would look to grasp the opportunities of being free of EU regulations, producing policies to boost competitiveness and productivity.

I was pleased he repeated the guarantee to 3.2 million EU nationals currently living in the UK that they would have the right to remain and work in the country.

He also spoke of a review of the immigration system.

I welcome this, and hope to see more equity between those coming to the UK from Europe and the rest of the world.

At the end of his statement, the Prime Minister spoke of the Government’s decision to provide funding for frontline public services, including healthcare, education and more police on the streets.

He also talked of investment in vital infrastructure, full fibre roll-out, transport and housing.

These things improve people’s lives, fuel economic growth, and provide opportunity for everyone.

I decided not to join the new Government but to remain on the backbenches.

I want to continue my work on the Treasury Select Committee, holding the Government to account and advancing cooperatives and justice in the financial system.