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Dover MP Charlie Elphicke backs Brexit withdrawal agreement ahead of vote

A Kent MP has leant his support to the Withdrawal Agreement ahead of a vote tomorrow.

MPs will vote tomorrow on the agreement, which covers the so-called "divorce bill", citizens' rights and the Irish backstop.

The vote will not include a political declaration covering the UK's future relationship with the EU.

Charlie Elphicke (8109866)
Charlie Elphicke (8109866)

Speaker of the house, John Bercow, had previously said politicians would not be able to vote on the agreement again, after rejecting it twice, but agreed by not voting on the declaration it had changed enough to warrant another vote.

Brexiteer Charlie Elphicke has announced he will back the Withdrawal Agreement in parliament tomorrow.

The Dover MP said: "I have always been clear we must respect the referendum result and leave the EU, deal or no deal.

"Sadly, people who never accepted that will not allow us to leave without a deal - and look set to force through a soft Brexit or even a second referendum.

"I believe this would cause serious damage to this country's great tradition of democracy. It would also lead to endless argument over Brexit - when people want us to get on with it and focus on other hugely important things, like schools, hospitals, home ownership and law and order.

"I have always been clear we must respect the referendum result and leave the EU, deal or no deal..." Charlie Elphicke

"I will therefore give my support to the Withdrawal Agreement. Because as some of the longest and strongest supporters of Brexit have said, while it is not a good deal, it is better than not leaving at all. And that is the choice we now face.

"It still means an end to billions for Brussels bureaucrats. An end to uncontrolled immigration. An end to having to adopt new EU laws on tax, the environment, labour, state aid and business. New controls over farming and fishing.

"Over the next two years, after we have left the EU, strong leadership will give us the opportunity to negotiate a positive future relationship and escape the Backstop trap.

"That is where I believe our efforts should now be focused. Our goal should be nothing less than a truly global Britain."

How is Brexit going to affect Kent? For all the latest news, views and analysis visit our dedicated page here.

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