MPs vote in favour of triggering EU exit
ROCHDALE MP Simon Danczuk has voted in favour of beginning Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.
Following two days of debate MPs voted for proposals that would allow Theresa May to start formal Brexit talks.
The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill was given a second reading by 498 votes to 114 - a majority of 384.
Mr Danczuk said: “The British people voted to leave the European Union and that’s why I have now voted in parliament for us to start the process of leaving.
“I do believe it is going to be very tough economically.
“The challenge for government now is to make sure we get good trade deals and people aren’t adversely affected by this major decision to leave.
“I will continue to help local firms during these tough times and also help hold the government to account.”
Heywood and Middleton MP Liz McInnes, whose constituency includes Bamford, Norden and Castleton, also voted to trigger Article 50.
Ms McInnes had previously said: “The Labour Party accepts the result of the referendum and so do I. I will vote to trigger Article 50 on behalf of people in Heywood and Middleton, a majority of whom voted to leave the EU.
“I want the government to now focus on getting the best deal for Britain.
“I and my Labour colleagues will fight throughout the Brexit negotiations for a deal which protects jobs, the economy and workers’ rights.”
Whitworth MP Jake Berry suffered a ‘serious asthma attack’ which meant he was unable to vote in two of the three ballots in the parliamentary chamber on Wednesday.
Mr Berry said: “I suffered a serious asthma attack at work and as a result was unable to vote in two of the three votes exercising Article 50.
“I was, however, able to make the crucial final vote which set out the timetable for Britain to leave the European Union.
“I have suffered from asthma since I was a child and anyone who has this condition knows how debilitating an attack is.
“However, after receiving medical attention, I’m happy to confirm that I will be fighting fit for the many votes that will come next week as we finalise this important piece of legislation which confirms the result of the referendum.
“I have been absolutely clear on my view about triggering Article 50 and my views on this have not changed.”
The Bill was introduced after the Supreme Court ruled MPs must vote on activating Article 50.
The final vote will be taken on February 8 after further scrutiny.