ON the final day of his 23 years in Parliament, Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron addressed the House of Commons for the last time.

Mr Baron is standing down at the forthcoming General Election, and he took the opportunity yesterday (Friday, 24 May), the last sitting day of the 2019-2024 Parliament, before it formally dissolves next Thursday to speak in the chamber.

Mr Baron said: "Thank you Madame Deputy Speaker, as I catch your eye for the final time after 23 years in this place.

"It will be a wrench to leave this House – but perhaps Mr Speaker will be pleased no longer to receive my many applications for Urgent Questions!

"Throughout my time here I have been greatly helped, supported and counselled by the superb Parliamentary clerks and their teams. We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from their contribution, without which our work as Parliamentarians simply would not be possible.

 "I would also like to thank the doorkeepers, security, library and catering staff, and all who work so brilliantly day in, day out, to keep the show on the road and support our Parliamentary system.

"Reflecting for a moment, much has changed since I joined the House in 2001, and almost all for the better. The hours, for a start, are much easier for, and understanding of, those of us with young families. As a green MP in 2001 there was no training – we were just thrown into the Chamber. Things have changed for the better since.

 "What has not changed is the narrative in some quarters that our Parliamentary system is 'broken' – I do not accept this, even though I accept it is not perfect.

"In a few weeks every voter will get the chance to have their say in the privacy of the polling booth, and that is a wonderful thing – still denied to too many people worldwide. I believe our system is representative and effective, and is respected around the world.

"For example, this House contained probably the most passionate debate we've had in a generation – that of the Brexit debate and channelled it accordingly, in an open way that few other countries could have pulled off.

"This Chamber remains the crucible where the matters of the day are debated and resolved, and we should all be proud that the outcome of the EU referendum was implemented after the 2016 vote. Its fulcrum being the obligation that we all tell the truth in this place.

 "MPs are still able to effect great change, and I look back with fondness and satisfaction at the campaigns and good causes I participated in – whether it was campaigning for our 2015 manifesto to contain the promise of an EU referendum, against arming the Syrian rebels, for official recognition and support for our nuclear test veterans or securing a focus on outcomes when it comes to cancer.

"Of course one wasn't always successful – my opposition to our Iraq, Libya, and Afghan interventions, and trying to get the Government to think again about defence cuts, being such examples – my amendment on 2019 on the Northern Ireland backstop being defeated by the largest recorded majority in Parliamentary history (600 – 24) is still fresh in the mind!

 "Yet, overall, with hard work, planning and the gathering of support, MPs can still effect change and truly help their constituents – occasionally with help from the Speaker's Chair!

"I have enjoyed my time on Select Committees and APPGs, where you see the best of cross-party work.

"I would therefore caution against sweeping reforms which will harm our democracy.

"Past innovations, such as the Fixed Term Parliament Act, have served to highlight the wisdom of convention. We should be wary of talk of a written constitution, PR and House of Lords reform.

"In drawing to a close, I would like to thank you, Mr Speaker, and your Deputy Speakers, along with the other holders of your ancient office over my time. You represent the best of Parliament, and I know the Commons is in safe hands.

"I wish all colleagues, past and present, well, and good fortune to the next Parliament.

"I would also like to thank my Constituency Association, councillors, activists and the many friends I have made in the constituency for their contributions and friendship over so many years. It stood by me on a number of occasions when I did not always agree with my party, such as over the Iraq War in 2003, and always understood that MPs are representatives, not delegates.

"I would also like to thank my constituents for their support and ensuring that my majority increased at each General Election, despite an adverse boundary change.

"I intend to continue my link with the wonderful constituency of Basildon & Billericay, which it has been an honour to serve, by participating in the annual Fun Walk.

"Founded in 2002, it has since raised over £1.6 million for good causes across the constituency and beyond.

"Mr Speaker, I would like to thank my staff, to whom I owe so much. My constituency team (Jo Turner, Annie Akinin) has been with me since I became the MP, and my London team (Claire Lumby, Selina Short & Benjamin Yates) for up to 16 years – 80 years of service between them is a rarity in this place. I am very grateful to them, and am proud of them, for everything we have achieved together."

"Finally, I would like to thank my wife, daughters and wider family, whether here or not, for their support over the years which has always added perspective and balance to my endeavours in this place.

"I shall miss this place, but the time has come for me to move on, and I wish you all well."