John Baron MP: PM should adopt unilateral backstop exit mechanism

MP does not recognise defectors’ criticisms

As the Prime Minister continues to negotiate in Brussels, John Baron MP suggests that she should aim to insert into the Withdrawal Agreement a UK unilateral exit mechanism from the backstop. John tabled an amendment along these lines on 15th January, which was heavily defeated. However, a very similar amendment, tabled by Sir Graham Brady MP, was passed on 29th January. John also responds to the three Conservative defections announced yesterday.

John said,

“As she negotiates with the EU, I urge the Prime Minister to insist on the insertion into the Withdrawal Agreement of a unilateral exit mechanism from the backstop – open to both the EU and the UK. This would restore equity into the Agreement, which at present only allows the UK to exit the backstop if the EU agrees.”

“The main stumbling-block to the successful passage of the Prime Minister’s deal through the House of Commons is the potentially indefinite nature of the backstop. If this can be addressed, there is a way forward which I hope my colleagues will take.”

“Naturally I am sad that colleagues have decided to leave the Conservative Party. However, leaving the Single Market and the Customs Union is in lockstep with the Conservative manifesto on Brexit at the last General Election, on which all Conservative candidates stood, and which in these regards was the same as the Labour Party’s promises – not a party that many accuse of having recently drifted to the right!”