Ex-policy chief will back deal with heavy heart

THERESA MAY’S former policy chief has said he will back her Brexit agreement with a “heavy heart”.

George Freeman, also a former minister, described exiting the EU without a deal as “unconscionable” as he outlined his support for the Withdrawal Agreement.

But he also noted his preferred plan B was a soft Brexit on the European Free Trade Association (Efta) or Norway model.

Mr Freeman (Mid Norfolk) said: “Don’t accuse me please of Project Fear – this is serious Project Business that we serve.

“I will, with a heavy heart, on Tuesday vote for this deal because we’re now in the dying stages and no deal is unconscionable.

“But I beg colleagues to ask their front benches in pursuit of something we can all be proud of.”

Meanwhile, the SNP’s Mhairi Black labelled Theresa May’s claim that MPs must choose between her deal or a no-deal Brexit as a “piece of nonsense”.

And Michael Gove also used colourful language to dismiss Labour’s Brexit plans. The Environment Secretary took aim at the Opposition after citing reports which suggested shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner had referred to his party’s official position as “b ****** s”.

Praising the Brent North MP’s “truth and perfect clarity”, Mr Gove said the Commons was grateful for his casting of light on the nature of Labour’s six Brexit tests.

Labour MP David Lammy also told the Commons there was “no left-wing justification for Brexit”.