‘Being part of a large economic trading block gives us the best chance of prosperity in our city’

I was born and brought up in Portsmouth.

I know my way around and am used to getting things done for our city’s communities.

But since the Brexit vote – well over three years ago – it is becoming harder and harder to get the attention of government.

They are paralysed and are being led by extremists trying to force the UK into a disastrous no-deal Brexit, an outcome that was categorically denied would happen by Mr Johnson and his unelected advisers during the referendum. It has never been the will of the people. I know many people in our great city and across our country voted for Brexit because they were angry that no-one paid the price for the damage caused by the banking crisis.

They saw things were broken – poor wages, rising crime, NHS waiting lists going up and up, rocketing housing costs – and wanted them fixed.

But Brexit hasn’t solved any of these problems; instead they’re getting worse, not better.

This week, Mr Johnson has been called out by the Supreme Court, the highest court in these islands, for illegally shutting down parliament and misleading Her Majesty The Queen.

Westminster is in paralysis.

It has no oxygen for the important issues our city needs tackling, which is why I believe Brexit can only be resolved, onceand-for-all, by the people.

When we can’t trust the PM we must trust the people to determine what happens next.

That’s why I am demanding the final deal to leave the EU is put back to you for a final say when the facts are known.

This week, Labour, at its conference, decided to back a people’s vote in all circumstances.

This is the democratic thing to do, and the only party to do so.

In that people’s vote I will lead the campaign in Portsmouth and personally vote to remain because I believe that being part of a large economic trading block gives us the best chance of prosperity in our city, protects our environment and is the best future for our children.

It also allows Britain to punch above its weight and have more influence in a changing world.

Whatever the outcome, leave or remain, I will abide by the result and work hard to make it happen. Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South House of Commons, Westminster