Nissan news proves no-deal is too risky

WHEN Theresa May became Prime Minister, she promised to build a “better Britain” and to make Brexit a “success”.

Two and a half years on, I think we can all agree that her negotiations have been a disaster and Britain is certainly not in a better position.

Mrs May has divided her government, her party and the country.

She no longer commands a majority in parliament and the country is crying out for a conclusion to Brexit.

Her attempt to bribe MPs into supporting her failed deal in exchange for funding is shameful.

She is again buying votes to save herself (like her £1 billion to the DUP) but more importantly, this proves that austerity was not an economic necessity, but a choice – this government always manages to find cash when it suits them.

Parliament must be bigger than this and work in the country’s interests, not lurch into pork-barrel politics.

Labour is clear on how to move forward.

The referendum result was clear, a majority voted to leave the EU and Labour respects that, but nobody voted to destroy jobs and the economy.

The recent devastating news from Nissan proves that the risk of no-deal is too much for businesses to take.

Equally, the prospect of a hard border across Ireland risks turning our backs on 20 years of peace after the Good Friday Agreement.

The realistic solution is to be in a Customs Agreement with the EU, maintaining single market standards, our rights at work and environmental protections.

Theresa May needs to stop kicking the ball down the road, wasting valuable time and give parliament the chance to vote.

If we get it wrong it will be devastating for towns like Rochdale, but if we get it right we can move forward together as a nation.