Earlier this month, social media for MPs hit a new low when a Facebook comment (from a constituent) suggested we should all “be hung” and I should spend the rest of my days in a 6x4 cell. Charming.
Reflecting on this, I am reminded of the wise words of Justin Welby who said recently we should find a way in these difficult days for people to disagree well. But, for me, it’s more than that and unlike the Archbishop or HM The Queen, who said similar in her unifying Christmas message, I don’t need to make coded references to the fact I am talking about Brexit.
Truth is, the vast majority of MPs are working in Parliament - in the national interest - to secure a deal that respects the referendum result, gives safe passage out of the EU and allows our country to move on. I believe that is overwhelmingly what the British public want from us at this time of great national anxiety.
Of course I understand some of the smaller fringe parties want, at this critical time for our country, to take themselves out of the debate altogether and grandstand in a way that belongs in the 2016 referendum campaign. While that is their decision - one that surely inflames tensions, stokes division and raises the temperature even further - it isn’t mine. Parliament started this; it needs to step up and finish it but we should be clear, if it cannot do so this month, all bets are off and everything remains on the table.
At the 2017 General Election, I promised I would always strike a measured tone that respects both sides of the referendum as Brexit is delivered; focusing on unity over division and further to that, constituents can still read my detailed – and comprehensive – thoughts on the draft Withdrawal Agreement at www.stevebrine.com/brexit
I make no apologies it is lengthy, this is complex and doesn’t fit on a banner or into an organised chant from an visiting ‘comedian’. I have not changed my view that this deal, or a version close to it, is the ONLY way forward given there is no majority in Parliament I can see for no deal, no Brexit or – and I note even its most ardent proponents weren’t able to even table an amendment to test the will of the House last month – a second referendum.
Last month, Parliament made clear for the first time that there is a majority for a route to safely leaving European Union with a deal via changes to the backstop, combined with measures to address concerns over Parliament’s role in the negotiation of the future relationship and commitments on workers’ rights as well as environmental protections.
The Prime Minister is now taking this mandate forward and seeking to obtain legally binding changes to the Withdrawal Agreement while guaranteeing no return to a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. I supported the PM last time and, change or no change to the backstop which we should remember is there for a reason, I will support her again. Not because I am a Minister but because I believe it’s the right thing.
As for no deal; Parliament (like me) does not want to leave without a Withdrawal Agreement and Future Framework. However, simply opposing no deal is not enough to stop it. The only way to rule out no deal given the parliamentary arithmetic is by MPs approving a deal. Some of us are trying.
Much more of my work, locally and in Parliament, at www.stevebrine.com
Steve Brine MP
