Redditch MP Rachel Maclean writes…
AFTER three failed attempts to get the EU Withdrawal Agreement through the House of Commons, it’s clear that the deal in its current form is dead.
The backstop was one of the main reasons why it failed to pass. Many were fearful it would trap the UK in a permanent customs union with no means to leave this ‘insurance policy’.
The only version of any deal which passed with a majority in the House of Commons was the Brady Amendment. This was the Withdrawal Agreement without the backstop.
If we’re to leave the EU with a deal on October 31 then the backstop must go. There’s simply no way a deal will pass with it still included. I think this is very clear to most people, except it seems the European Union.
So far, they seem unwilling to get around the negotiating table with our new Prime Minister.
The EU wants a deal as much as the UK Government does, but surely, they must understand that if the backstop doesn’t go, then we will be leaving with no deal on October 31.
I believe a deal can be done and passed with a majority in the House of Commons. Not only will the new deadline focus minds on Conservative benches, but also the minds of Labour MPs who represent leave voting constituencies.
Hopefully over the next few weeks commonsense will prevail in Brussels and the EU will engage constructively with the UK and renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement. If not, then we will be leaving without a deal.
62 per cent of voters in Redditch voted to leave the EU in 2016, it’s time we delivered on this result.
