Yesterday evening the Prime Minister won a vote of confidence from her Conservative Members of Parliament. I did not think that this was the right time to have a vote and did not submit a letter calling for one, however I felt I could not support the Prime Minister on this occasion.
I want to be clear that I am not a member of the European Research Group (ERG) which has been vocal in its criticism of the Prime Minister. I happen to believe this country can thrive outside of the EU and I don’t feel the need to be a member of any particular group in order to advance that belief. I looked carefully at all the evidence, including the nearly 600 page EU Withdrawal Agreement, and concluded that this agreement is neither in the spirit of Brexit or in the interests of our Country or my constituents. This is my decision and I am happy to defend it.
Last week I met with the Prime Minister to discuss my concerns about the EU Withdrawal Agreement. I raised the issue of the Northern Ireland Backstop, which effectively leaves Northern Ireland trapped in the EU with no unilateral way of leaving, a situation which I cannot support. The UK would be giving up more sovereignty than staying in the EU by accepting the backstop. I explained that as long as the proposed backstop remained, I could not support the agreement.
At the meeting of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservative MPs before last night’s vote, the Prime Minister said she had listened to the concerns of Parliament about the Withdrawal Agreement and would now look to address those concerns. However, her words suggested she was not looking for significant changes but reassurance. I cannot support that position, which is why I chose not to support her last night.
That said, the vote has now taken place and the Prime Minister received the backing of the majority of the Conservative Party. As a democrat I fully support the result and will continue to support the Prime Minister. Now is not the time for infighting but for unity to deliver the Brexit that the majority of our country voted for.
Sniping from the sidelines without coming up with a coherent, workable solution is your typical MO.
After the challenges the PM has faced to try and deliver Brexit, the very least you could do is signal your support.
Shame on you.
I accept that you are nearer the action than most constituents, and have made an informed choice, based on the facts Royston, which I respect. The alternative is to cause the opposition to win the arguement and they intend to introduce government WITHOUT democracy. That is the choice
I fail to see how you can continue to support this lame duck pm who is humiliating this once proud nation by begging for scraps off the EU table.
Her deal needs to be rejected by the. Commons.
I have voted conservative ideology for 57 years, its a bonus if the M.P.s and the Leader are true to their promises. As you have stated you will stand by the majority vote backing the P.M. How many of those M.P’s are remainers? I commend your loyalty but I feel its been abused, along with all those who voted leave.
As long as Brexit happens (not convinced with Mays deal at all!!!)
The problem for those saying we must honour the democratic will of the people is that the democratic will of the people today, after all the hoo-hah, is that they don’t want to leave the EU. How do you tell them they have had all the democracy they are going to get and they can’t have another referendum?