As the former Independent Candidate for Brighton Pavilion in 2015 & 2017, I believe that the time has come for democrats and patriots from all parties and none, from all walks of life, those who voted Leave and Remain, to unite the whole country behind a vision for the UK of opportunity, hope, and security. A vision for a post Brexit vision for the UK, for a dynamic enterprise economy, to equip our people with skills to compete, to reform our health and social care system, and to end the housing shortage. It is essential that the whole nation benefits from economic growth and prosperity.

We need a swift Brexit, to immediately control borders, redirect the budget contribution for UK needs, and to trade freely across the world. The UK must proclaim free trade with the rest of the EU; and enshrine reciprocal rights to remain for EU and UK citizens.

The UK must stand up to tyranny at home and overseas. We must not retreat from Fortress Europe to the barricades of Fortress Britain. The UK must play a global role, strengthening our defence, extending NATO, helping developing nations through trade and aid, counter Russian aggression in Europe and Syria, and provide humanitarian aid and no fly zones in Syria. I utterly reject the use of torture.

We must maintain the Union of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Millions of people in the UK feel unrepresented by the parties. They want  the UK to play a global role in trade, security and environmental protection; for controlled immigration, enabling the UK to recruit the doctors and nurses we need, and to provide a sanctuary for refugees; for a dynamic free trading economy, with first class infrastructure and social housing; and integrated social care and health. For a society in which the individual is master of their destiny, untrammelled by the “big battalions” and vested interests. For a meritocratic society, in which, as Churchill said, “there is a limit beneath which no man may fall, but no limit to which any man might rise.”

A cross party consensus is emerging to thwart Brexit. It is high time that democrats of all parties and of none united to defend the democratic verdict of the people. We must put country before party, and support candidates with similar values.