Prime Minister’s Brexit deal must be in best interest for the UK, say local MPs

The Prime Minister’s latest Brexit deal “must be in best interest of the UK”, local MPs Tony Lloyd and Liz McInnes have said, following Theresa May’s latest plan.

Prime Minister Theresa May unveiled her ‘last chance’ Brexit plan on Tuesday (21 May), including the possibility of a second referendum vote under the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

Speaking in Parliament, Mrs May said: “Our new Brexit deal makes a ten-point offer to everyone in Parliament who wants to deliver the result of the referendum.

“If MPs vote against the Second Reading of this Bill – they are voting to stop Brexit. If they do so, the consequences could hardly be greater.

“Reject this deal and leaving the EU with a negotiated deal any time soon will be dead in the water.

“And what would we do then? Some suggest leaving without a deal. But whatever you think of that outcome – Parliament has been clear it will do all it can to stop it.

“If not no deal, then it would have to be a General Election or a second referendum that could lead to revocation – and no Brexit at all.

“I believe there is a majority to be won for a Brexit deal in the House of Commons. And by passing a deal we can actually get Brexit done – and move our country forwards.”

Liz McInnes, MP for Heywood and Middleton said: “This is another desperate attempt by the Prime Minister to get her deal through and falls far short of the major changes Labour has called for.

“It is clear already that Parliament will not support it. The Prime Minister really does need to think again, and offer some real changes so that we get a deal which is best for the UK.”

Tony Lloyd, MP for Rochdale, said: “They say that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. In a speech this week the Prime Minister announced she would be bringing her Brexit deal back for a fourth time. Every previous attempt was defeated, defeated by historical margins. 

“I have watched many politicians over the years make baffling political moves but none more so than Theresa May. Her announcement is the last gasp of a Prime Minister in office but not in power.

“Labour were willing to talk to the Government about finding a way forward with Brexit that could unite both Parliament and the country. We were promised constructive discussions and expected to see compromise. We see nothing of the kind. Labour wants to ensure a permanent comprehensive customs union and new single market relationship that protects workers’ rights and the environment. The Government wanted a PR stunt.

“In my role as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland only a comprehensive customs union and new single market relationship can protect the Good Friday Agreement, the hard-won peace and ensure both an open border and open society in Northern Ireland. These are not abstract things but real-life consequences of a Government intent on securing their own party’s survival over the security of Northern Ireland.

“Borders and barriers are as damaging in Rochdale as they are in Northern Ireland.  It is stark that amongst the Government’s failings is its complete disregard for business and industry. The Conservatives were once seen as the party of business but have side-lined common sense for senseless ideology. 

“When I speak to businesses in Rochdale, they tell me their worries about how their business will be impacted by a damaging deal or no deal at all. Planning ahead has been made more and more difficult by the Government’s obfuscation. 

“Businesses big and small need time to plan, plan for future investments. The Prime Minister’s brinkmanship makes their lives more difficult.

“The Prime Minister has sat on her hand for far too long. I don’t know how long Theresa May will serve as Prime Minister but as long as she is, she needs to stand up to her party, act in the national interest and follow Labour’s lead to find a way forward that helps Rochdale and helps heal the divisions across the United Kingdom.”