MPs on crunch vote: Scrapping backstop ‘edges Brexit closer’

MPs are set to vote on a series of crucial amendments, including one put forward by Tory backbencher Graham Brady that says the backstop should be replaced by “alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border”.

The backstop issue has been a major source of opposition to Theresa May's deal with the EU, and was opposed by 118 Tories among 432 MPs when it was defeated earlier this month.

But Dudley South MP Mike Wood said support for Mr Brady's amendment could strengthen the Prime Minister's hand for a fresh round of negotiations with Brussels.

Mr Wood, who reluctantly voted for Mrs May's deal due to fears over moves to block Brexit, said: "Theresa May has been quite clear she knows the only way Conservative and DUP MPs will support the deal is if we get a proper solution to the backstop.

"There will be no consensus in the House of Commons unless we find a solution to this issue, and Graham Brady's amendment is certainly a move in the right direction.

"I think the EU want an agreement, and they are not going to make concessions if they think we will always blink first.

"It is time for the UK to stand firm and say that we won't hold up to the backstop as it is. Then we will see how serious the EU is about getting a deal.

"We are reliant on both sides acting in good faith to agree a solution that everyone can live with. I think if there is a proper solution that stops Northern Ireland being carved out of the rest of the UK, I think almost all senior Brexit supporting MPs will come around."

Mr Brady's amendment is among several intended to change the backstop that could be picked for voting by Speaker John Bercow tonight.

Opposed to the deal

However, other MPs in the Black Country and Staffordshire remain unconvinced.

Emma Reynolds, the Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East MP, said she would vote against the amendment.

"I won't be supporting it because I don't think there are alternative arrangements which would preserve an invisible border on the island of Ireland," said Ms Reynolds, a member of the Brexit Select Committee and former Shadow Europe Minister.

"The solution is staying in a customs union with the rest of the EU, which would also not only go a long way towards solving the border issues on Ireland, but would protect jobs, particularly in automotive and aerospace manufacturing."

Eurosceptic Conservative MP Sir Bill Cash is vehemently opposed to the Prime Minister's deal, and said there were positives to leaving the union without a deal "in almost every aspect of British life".

He urged the Government to take the "enormous opportunity" of quitting the bloc on World Trade Organisation terms.

The Stone MP said: "With our dynamic skilled workforce, the English language, and our global opportunities under WTO rules, a rejuvenating atmosphere of freedom – both democratic and economic – means an exit without a deal is what Britain can now embrace."

Government ministers have renewed calls for MPs to rally behind the Prime Minister's deal.

Digital Minister Margot James warned against the "disaster" of a 'no deal' Brexit, and said that the only way a deal would pass is if there was compromise across the House.

The Stourbridge MP called on the Government to "consider alternative options, which might include measures that complement the Prime Minister’s deal".

Meanwhile South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson urged MPs to back Mrs May's deal to put an end to calls for a second referendum.

"Those who have been campaigning for a referendum need to go to their constituencies and listen to what people actually want," he said.

Another amendment tabled for tonight, put forward by Labour MP Yvette Cooper, aims to prevent the possibility of 'no-deal' if agreement cannot be reached by Brexit day on March 29.

If passed it would oblige the Government to extend Article 50.

It is being backed by Ms Reynolds, who said: "I'd rather have a good, negotiated deal, than leave with a poor deal but more quickly."

Downing Street has insisted that the EU will need to change the withdrawal deal if it is to pass through Parliament. Mrs May is expected to resume negotiations with Brussels later this week.