3 April 2019
Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union
I did not want us to leave the EU and indeed, campaigned locally and nationally against doing so. But I also stood as a Conservative candidate at two General Elections on a manifesto that promised to abide by the result. The Labour Party made similar pledges in their manifestos.
I will continue to support the Prime Minister because I know her to be dedicated and honourable; she has worked harder than anyone I know to achieve the best possible deal for this country as we leave the European Union. As have seen again this week, only Parliament supporting her deal will allow this country an orderly departure.
That is why I voted against the indicative votes. I don't feel any of the alternatives are preferable to the deal, nor do they have greater support than the Deal in the House. Many of the issues in them could be decided later in the process, but unless Parliament votes for the deal this week, that can not happen. I believe leaving without a deal would not be in anyone’s interests so I still hope it can be avoided. That is why I approve of the Prime Minister’s decision to involve the Leader of the Opposition in talks to agree a plan to leave the European Union with a deal and so to break the deadlock. As Theresa May said, ‘This debate, this division cannot drag on much longer’.
However, if they cannot agree on a plan, they would work to agree a series of options for the Future Relationship that would be put to the House to determine which course to pursue. Crucially, the Government stands ready to abide by the decision of the House. But to make this process work, the Opposition would need to agree to this too.
The Government would then bring forward the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, working to agree with the Opposition that it would pass before 22nd May so that we do not have to take part in European Parliamentary Elections.