On 23 June 2016 the British people resolved to leave the European Union and take back control of our laws, our borders and our money. No political decision has ever had a bigger mandate in our history. More than seventeen million of us voted to declare independence.

In March this year, the Prime Minster began the process for the UK's formal withdrawal from the EU by triggering Article 50. Her decision was backed by an overwhelming majority of us in the House of Commons. We ensured that the decision of the British people would be honoured - we would be outside the EU by the end of March 2019, reclaiming our freedom as a sovereign nation.

Since the referendum, the British Government has been focused on how to implement the decision of the British people. Yesterday, after a series of complex and lengthy negotiations with the EU, we have reached a primary agreement that sets the scene for phase two.

This first phase was concerned with achieving agreement on three fundamental issues. These issues formed the required baseline before discussions on the future trade relationship between an independent UK and the EU could take place.

Thanks to the Prime Minister's tenacity and skill, we've achieved a breakthrough on these issues. But it's important to remember that the offer we're making is dependent on securing what we want in the next stage of negotiations. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. Everything we have proposed is provisional on achieving a final deal with the EU which is mutually beneficial. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, I am confident we will secure that prize.