SOUTH Essex MPs are confident that a “good Brexit deal” can be achieved as negotiations to secure Britain’s exit from the EU get underway

Southend West MP Sir David Amess said he was optimistic of a good deal despite the challenges.

He said: “These are sombre times for so many reasons, yet at long last we need to focus also on the Brexit talks. The overwhelming majority of people who I represent in Southend West, regardless of how they voted in the referendum, seem to be behind efforts to get these talks going and secure the best possible deal for everyone in the United Kingdom.

“I am optimistic about the talks. I am very confident that there will be an agreement regarding British citizens in Europe and European citizens living in the UK. Given the amount of European businesses who depend on selling their goods and services to the UK, it is in both sides’ best interests for trade deals to be struck.

“There is now the ever-pressing matter of security intelligence and of control of our own borders. I am also very optimistic that the UK government will be able to repatriate powers to the UK which will mean the restoration of the sovereignty of the British Parliament once again.

“The talks should not be a re-run of the referendum arguments of a year ago but should reflect the will of the British people. After all, democracy allows us to get change through peaceful means.”

Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron said: “Having strongly supported ‘leave’ in last year’s referendum, I am pleased the Brexit negotiations are getting underway as planned. I am looking forward to a positive period of discussions with our European partners, and to playing my full role in Parliament on behalf of my constituents as the talks progress.

“The election result means that the Prime Minister will have to take into account all points of view, but this is not necessarily a bad thing.

“However, MPs overwhelmingly voted to trigger Article 50, and the vast majority of voters in the General Election supported parties committed to seeing Brexit through. I am therefore confident that our Brexit schedule will not be affected, and will be closely following the negotiations in the coming months.”

Brexit Secretary David Davis has said Britain will seek “a deal that works in the best interests of all citizens”.

Speaking alongside EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as they arrived for talks at the European Commission, Mr Davis said he expected “challenging times ahead” in talks expected to stretch for around 16 to 18 months ahead of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU in 2019.