SOLIHULL MP Julian Knight says he does not support his neighbouring Conservative colleague Caroline Spelman’s well-backed push for the government to rule out a no-deal Brexit.
He added the UK needs to leave the European Union as a ‘first priority’, given the referendum vote.
Solihull and Coventry-based Jaguar Land Rover chief executive Ralf Speth has repeatedly warned of the disastrous consequences of a no-deal Brexit – for the company and UK manufacturing.
Meriden MP Dame Caroline and Labour MP for Erdington Jack Dromey have tabled a parliamentary amendment which calls for a guarantee that the government prevents a ‘chaotic’ no-deal scenario.
The amendment, if taken forward by speaker John Bercow, will be put to a vote on Tuesday (January 29).
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.”
In response Mr Knight said on Twitter: “I believe this amendment is well meant and I would like to avoid a no-deal scenario.
“However, if it were put to the house I will not be voting for it.
“My first priority is that we need to leave the EU as my constituents instructed.”
Dame Caroline and Mr Dromey have already instigated a letter signed by 225 MPs, and supported by the business community, urging the Prime Minister Theresa May to rule out a no-deal.
Both Mr Knight and Dame Caroline have been calling on the government to ensure protection for jobs in West Midlands industry by relaxing taxation and regulation on diesel.
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.
After tabling their amendment, Dame Caroline and Mr Dromey said: “We must rule out the prospect of a no-deal Brexit.
“As March 29 fast approaches (the current date for leaving the EU), it becomes increasingly clear that crashing out of the EU without a deal will cause chaos and put the jobs of thousands of our constituents at risk.
“We are confident that there is widespread agreement across all parties in the house that a no-deal Brexit should be avoided.
“This amendment seeks to send that clear message: no to no deal.
“Whilst we remain committed to honouring the result of the referendum, for the sake of the people we represent, we cannot sanction crashing out of the EU without a deal.”
