WORCESTER'S MP has said it is a "great relief to end the year with real progress", after MPs backed the government's Brexit bill in Parliament.

Yesterday MPs backed Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plan for the UK to leave the European Union on January 31.

They voted with a majority of 124 in favour of the withdrawal agreement bill, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying it was a step closer "to getting Brexit done".

But critics have highlighted the change to legally ban an extension of the transition period past the deadline at the end of 2020, saying this risks a no deal Brexit as they feel reaching a trade deal with the EU in 11 months "is unrealistic".

Mr Walker said: "I am delighted that the Commons has overwhelmingly backed the withdrawal agreement bill, meaning that we can proceed with leaving the EU in an orderly fashion with a deal.

"I know that tens of thousands of people who voted in the recent election in Worcester voted to get Brexit done and I am determined to deliver on that mandate.

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"By securing this legislation we are securing the rights of millions of citizens, including many in Worcester who have made their home here from elsewhere in the EU and we are securing the position of around a million Brits in Europe.

"We are also guaranteeing no hard border on the island of Ireland, protecting the principle of consent that is at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement and the constitutional integrity of the UK.

"By securing a transition period we are providing vital certainty to businesses and investors.

"It was particularly cheering to see the entire Conservative party voting together for both the second reading and the programme motion, and the majorities of over 100 are a stark contrast to the close votes and defeats of the last few years.

"It is a great relief to end the Parliamentary year with real progress being made and I am looking forward to getting stuck in during January to secure this bill, to get Brexit done and to ensure the entire country can move forward.”