MP backs May as vote looms

Stirling MP Stephen Kerr has reaffirmed his support for Theresa May’s Brexit deal as Parliament prepares for next week’s crucial vote.

On Tuesday, 20 Tory MPs rebelled against the government and voted for an amendment to the Finance Bill in the House of Commons.

The amendment sought to limit the power of the Treasury in the event of a ‘No-Deal’ Brexit not authorised by the Commons. It has been viewed as a symbolic rejection of a ‘NoDeal’ Brexit by the House.

Mr Kerr said he voted with the Government on the Finance Bill, which enacts the Autumn Budget, and intends to back the withdrawal bill next week.

He said: “I very much hope MPs from all sides will finally, when it comes to the vote, put their party political and ideological positions aside and do what is in the best interests of the country.”

Mr Kerr also stressed that if the vote fails, and the deal is rejected by Parliament, responsibility will fall on the EU to prevent a ‘No-Deal’ scenario.

He added: “It will be for the EU to take the will of Parliament on board and address the points that have led to the defeat to avoid leaving without a deal.”

MSP for Stirling Bruce Crawford said he had spoken to people and businesses across the constituency, and there is great concern about what this deal will do to our economy.

He added: “Considering the negative impact this will have, the only way to truly represent the wishes of the Stirling constituency – which voted to Remain by 67.7 per cent in 2016 – would be to vote against Theresa May’s damaging Brexit deal. Parliament has already demonstrated that there is not a majority for leaving the EU without a deal, which would be catastrophic to our economy.

He added: “If Parliament can’t agree a way forward, then the people should be consulted in a People’s Vote – and such a vote, in my opinion, must include an option to remain in the EU.”