AHEAD of tonight’s crucial Commons vote, Worcester MP Robin Walker was remaining loyal to Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal.
The city MP has been a passionate supporter of the UK’s withdrawal and future relations agreement which he helped negotiate with the European Union, which is set to be voted on in Parliament tonight.
But many of his Conservative colleagues look set to join opposition parties in voting against the deal, with some forecasters predicting a crushing defeat with 425 of the 650 MPs in Parliament rejecting the Prime Minister's plan.
In a column for the Worcester News, Mr Walker said he recognises there are a wide range of views in Parliament on the best future relationship between the EU and UK, but stressed that only by ratifying the withdrawal agreement could negotiations move forward.
“I have every confidence that the UK will succeed when we leave the EU, but I think the best way of doing that is to get this deal done,” Mr Walker writes.
“After years of work and debate to get to this point, I know that the majority of my constituents want us to get on with the process. I’ve heard from people who voted on both sides of the referendum who want us to move forward now. Having thrashed out a deal that enables us to take control of our laws, our money and our borders and brings to an end the jurisdiction of European courts in the UK whilst also protecting citizens rights, avoiding a hard border in Ireland and settling any financial disputes, I think we need to secure it.”
But, recognising the uncertainty surrounding how the vote would go, the MP added: “Whatever the outcome of the votes, we need to create certainty for business and for people living in this country.”
The MP is holding an information evening for the city’s EU citizens this Friday. Taking place from 5.30pm at the Guildhall, it includes a briefing from the MP on the rights of EU citizens after Brexit. To attend, email tom.cole@parliament.uk.
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