Ever since Magna Carta, more than 800 years ago, the rule of law has been the very cornerstone of our Constitution. As Conservatives, we stand for democracy and the rule of law. Our independent courts and legal systems are respected throughout the world.

One of the great strengths of our constitution is its ability to evolve. And now, that need is greater than ever. The failure of parliament to deliver Brexit has opened up a destabilising and damaging rift between politicians and the people – and further referendums on Brexit and Scottish independent would make things worse.

I was a Remainer. I voted and campaigned for Remain. Leave won. I accept the democratic decision taken by the people of this country and I congratulate the Prime Minister, who has managed to negotiate an excellent new deal in the face of adversity. The deal is ready to go – it provides certainty for businesses and it will allow this country to move on.

Outside the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, we will have the freedom to negotiate free trade deals around the world. We will also negotiate a fantastic free trade agreement with the European Union. And make no mistake – we can do so quickly. We have agreed a political declaration setting out the framework and let's not forget that we're starting from a position of regulatory alignment.

But while a Conservative majority government would get Brexit done and allow this country to move on, a government led by Jeremy Corbyn would lead to dither, delay and two further referendums. The extreme economic policies of both Corbyn and John McDonnell would spell disaster for businesses – including law firms up and down the country.

Let's remember that John McDonnell has said that business is "the real enemy" and said it is part of his job description to overthrow capitalism. Labour would hike corporation tax to 26% – taking taxes to their highest-ever peacetime level. Experts have slammed this tax rise – with the IFS indicating it would lead to "higher prices, lower wages or less valuable investments".

Corbyn and McDonnell would seize 10% of businesses – a tax grab that would cost businesses £300 billion. Labour's financial transaction tax would harm the country's competitiveness and drive innovative companies out of the country. On top of that, Labour would hike capital gains tax and renationalise vast swathes of the economy.

The Conservatives will continue to foster the environment that makes the UK such an attractive business destination. A vote for the Liberal Democrats or Labour will result in only one thing – a hung Parliament with Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell at the helm. They will take a sledgehammer to the economy and subject this country to the chaos of two further referendums. Instead, let's get Brexit done and unleash the potential of this country.

Robert Buckland QC is the U.K. justice secretary and a Conservative MP standing for South Swindon in the 2019 election.


Read the other parties' pitches to the legal industry: