MP highlights fundamental differences in new backstop
Responding to the revised deal agreed between the UK and the EU, John said.
“I was opposed to the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by Theresa May, and voted against it three times, because there was a reasonable chance that the UK might be trapped indefinitely by the backstop into a form of customs union with the EU. This would have made a bad trade deal more likely.”
“Like most MPs, I prefer a good deal to no deal, and like many understand the importance of keeping ‘no deal’ on the table in order to increase the chance of a good deal.”
“Subject to further detail over the next 36 hours, I am inclined to support this new deal because of fundamental changes to the backstop. No longer could the UK be indefinitely trapped in a form of customs union to the EU’s liking. Instead, should negotiations for a trade deal not succeed during the Transition Period to December 2020, the whole UK can leave, in effect, on ‘no deal’ terms, with the Northern Ireland provisions in place. This makes a good trade deal more likely.”
“The devil will be in the detail. There is much work to be done between now and Saturday’s vote in scrutinising the deal.”
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