This week, Wycombe MP Steve Baker writes exclusively for Bucks Free Press readers:

Most people will have watched what has happened in Parliament over the last few days with incredulity.

It is clear our democratic institutions are being heavily tested, but this process has clarified some fundamental issues.

Probably the most important of all these is ‘Does each person’s vote count for something?’.

In 2016 the British people were asked whether they wanted to remain in the EU or leave the EU, and 33.5 million people freely voted for their preferred option.

Before the referendum was held I said I would honour the result, and I believe for democracy to flourish we must give people confidence their vote will mean something.

People look to MPs to influence all aspects of daily life, from animal welfare issues to tax and foreign policy. I want to be able to help constituents and local businesses on issues important to them.

Currently, EU law and policy outranks domestic UK law. I want this to change.

I want MPs in Parliament to be able to decide our own laws and policies, reflecting the priorities of citizens and the best interests of this country. I do not believe the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement will deliver that.

The likely outcome of a customs union would mean a loss of power over our own affairs with no voice or vote and no exit.

The UK would not control its trade policy or regulatory environment, which are big parts of our economic life.

I believe it would not be sustainable for the world’s fifth biggest economy to have its economy controlled by others without helping to decide what that policy is.

I can’t believe anyone in Wycombe would want their job to be reliant on the say of EU officials without MPs being able to influence the terms of who Wycombe companies can trade with.