MERIDEN MP Dame Caroline Spelman has insisted her attempts to prevent a no-deal Brexit do not mean delays or denying the outcome of the referendum.
She sought to ‘clarify’ her position following suggestions her amendment – tabled for today’s crucial Commons vote – meant she was not fully committed to leaving the European Union. Her Meriden constituents voted by 58 per cent to Leave in 2016.
Last week, Solihull Tory MP Julian Knight said he would not support fellow Conservative Dame Caroline’s amendment – which is backed by 130 MPs.
As we reported on last week’s front page, Mr Knight explained by saying that leaving the EU should be the priority, in line with the referendum outcome. In Solihull, 54 per cent voted Leave.
JLR and business leaders have warned a no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for West Midlands jobs.
The amendment was today accepted by speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow in preparation for tonight’s vote on Prime Minister Theresa May’s ‘withdrawal agreement’.
Critics of the amendment have said it could delay the country’s withdrawal from the EU, with some Conservative MPs preferring a no-deal to delays or a ‘bad deal’.
Dame Caroline has struck up an unlikely partnership with Labour MP for Erdington Jack Dromey to instigate the amendment, which urges Mrs May to rule out a no-deal. More than 220 MPs had also signed their letter to the PM which made the same call.
Although Dame Caroline has been making joint statements with Mr Dromey for weeks, she issued her clarification today without the Labour MP – who, like her, voted to Remain in the EU in 2016.
Some Labour and Tory MPs are also seeking ways of preventing a ‘no-deal’ outcome, with or without negotiations extended beyond March 29, when the UK is set to leave the EU.
They accuse Mrs May of giving an unreasonable ultimatum – to back her deal, or face a no-deal Brexit.
Dame Caroline said: “I would like to make absolutely clear that the amendment I have tabled today, supported by a cross-party group of 130 MPs, is not in any way an attempt to block or delay Brexit.
“I am committed to honouring the result of the 2016 referendum and ensuring the country leaves the European Union, which is due to happen on March 29.
“However, I cannot sanction the country leaving the EU without a deal.
“In the face of dire warnings from local businesses about job losses, it is critical that we leave the EU with a deal that works for the country and our region.
“I have consistently supported the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement to ensure an orderly exit from the EU.”
The government motion, including the amendment, reads: “That this house, in accordance with the provisions of section 13(6)(a) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, has considered the Written Statement titled “Statement under Section 13(4) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018” and made on 21 January 2019 and rejects the United Kingdom leaving the European Union without a Withdrawal Agreement and a Framework for the Future Relationship.”
JLR chiefs, who recently announced the axe of 4,000 jobs, have attributed JLR’s long-running difficulties to falling demand in diesel vehicles, Brexit-related market uncertainty and China slashing import tariffs.
