What your MP wants from Brexit: We quiz the four MPs in Kirklees

IT’S the biggest political shake-up in generations and more than two years after the UK voted to leave the EU, our position – and our future - seem as clear as mud.

With more twists and turns than a Hollywood blockbuster, it’s hard to keep up with what’s happening as Brexit negotiations rumble on.

From the Irish border to the NHS, stockpiling to exporting, getting any certainty on any of the issues most important to voters has thus far proved impossible.

We spoke to the four Kirklees MPs to find out what they want from Brexit - and what they feel is best for their constituents. ■■Barry Sheerman, Labour, Huddersfield: “My sacred duty is to the welfare and prosperity of people and town I represent. I have, after careful evaluation, concluded that remaining in the EU or as close to the EU as possible, is the greatest way to achieve these objectives for Huddersfield.

“The referendum result was based on promises that are false. Our NHS is in crisis, we are stockpiling medicine, jobs are under threat and we will be paying a large divorce bill for years. I believe the people should get a vote over the Brexit deal the Government brings back to decide if remaining in the EU is better.

“I believe that remaining in the EU is the best option for Huddersfield, and a strong leadership focused on our countries long term welfare should focus on staying in the European Union.

“If this leadership is not forthcoming, then I believe a second referendum, based on the facts of the deal should be held. All the research shows, even our best friends and long-term partners would prefer to trade with the EU market, and with Britain in this market, rather than an isolated, impoverished and declining world leader.” ■■Thelma Walker, Labour, Colne Valley: ”Although the results of the 2016 referendum were not declared for my constituency of Colne Valley, I acknowledge the close but clear national result. The Labour Party has outlined our six tests, covering immigration, trade, the future relationship with the EU, the economy and Northern Ireland, which the Prime Minister’s deal must meet before we would support it in Parliament. The tests affect every citizen, every region and nation of the UK, and every sector of our economy. It’s important to make sure that the UK achieves a deal which works in the interest of society.

“I believe that the deal needs to focus on jobs and the economy, while maintaining workers’ rights, environmental standards and protections for citizens. I reject the notion that Brexit means that the UK must become more insular, and I condemn those who use it as validation for intolerant views.

“I’m aware of the campaign for another referendum, but I believe that a General Election would be a more suitable mechanism for allowing the public to have their say on who they want to govern the country, and lead on the future relationship with the EU.

“I’m pleased that in the event of a ‘no deal’ situation, our party would consider all options to act in the country’s best interests.

“Even though the Government has had 18 months to work with EU counterparts and structure a deal, the shape of the outcome is still unclear. Instead, attention has been on intra-party negotiations between the Prime Minister and her own backbenchers. Meanwhile, businesses and residents in my constituency have expressed concerns about their future after March 2019.

“The Government needs to put the country first, or hand over the reins to a party which will.” ■■Tracy Brabin, Labour, Batley and Spen: “We voted to leave, not to lose out.” “When we leave the EU it is vital for the people of Batley and Spen and the nation as a whole that jobs, living standards and the economy are protected.

“Safeguarding these things has to be our number one priority, and it has become increasingly clear that a no deal or ‘hard’ Brexit would have catastrophic consequences.

“What is even more worrying is that we are less than 200 days away from leaving the European Union and yet the Tory Government still has no credible plan for Brexit.

“They are too busy fighting amongst themselves and as a result they are playing fast and loose with people’s futures. It’s simply not good enough.

“Our manufacturers and small businesses here in Batley and Spen need clarity, leadership and certainty.

“We voted to leave, not to lose out. Our local manufacturing industries and the future for our young people depends on us getting this right.

“When it comes to a second referendum, I have to say that I respect and accept the outcome of the 2016 referendum on our membership of the EU.

“However, this does not mean I