MP questions voters over views on Brexit

A NORTH East MP is asking voters whether they have changed their mind about Brexit.

Voters in Washington and Sunderland backed Brexit in the 2016 referendum, but Sharon Hodgson said she wanted to know what constituents thought as the UK approaches “a key moment in this process”.

Along with other MPs, she will take part in a House of Commons vote on whether or not to accept the deal agreed between the EU and the UK at some point before Brexit is due to take place, on March 29 next year.

It was originally due in October, but now appears likely to be delayed until later in the year, or early in 2018.

Labour activists are also likely to hold a debate on whether the party should back a second referendum on Brexit – described as a “People’s Vote” by supporters – at the party’s conference in Liverpool next month. Some MPs, including Sedgefield’s Phil Wilson, Redcar’s Anna Turley, Stockton South’s Paul Williams, Newcastle North’s Catherine McKinnell and Bridget Phillipson from Houghton and Sunderland South, have already backed a new referendum, but Ms Hodgson is not among them.

Her online survey asks constituents how they voted in 2016 and whether they believe that the electorate should also have to approve a deal before it can be ratified. Voters are also asked whether they believe Brexit should go ahead if the UK fails to agree any deal with the EU.