Montgomeryshire MP, Glyn Davies, is calling on all sides in the Brexit debate to make realistic adjustments to their negotiating positions in order to ensure that the UK leaves the European Union with an agreement on October 31.
Glyn, who is stepping down at the next General Election, has consistently voted leave, but has always supported ‘leave with a deal’ rather than no deal and has spoken out a fortnight before MPs return to Westminster for two weeks of crucial discussions.
He said: “The Prime Minister must do everything possible to ensure that the UK leaves the European Union on October 31 with a negotiated agreement. Because so many MPs and much of our mainstream media are intent on undermining the Prime Minister’s negotiating position, and reversing the referendum result, it will not be easy.
“While I’m certain the Government will protect consumers and businesses in Montgomeryshire as far as possible even without a deal, I also feel certain we would be better served if we leave with a deal - particularly important to Montgomeryshire because of the relative importance of fat lamb production in rural Wales.
“I am disappointed by the brazen hypocrisy of opposition politicians (with a few honourable exceptions) who consistently voted down the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by Theresa May and the other 27 EU member states.
“I thought it was an acceptable deal and should have been supported. As we watch Jeremy Corbyn and the group that surround him ‘banging on’ about their opposition to leaving with No Deal, we should remember it was their refusal (for blatantly political reasons) to back the Withdrawal Agreement that created the current logjam in Parliament. It’s time to get a Withdrawal Agreement done once and for all.
“I don’t share criticism of the EU for not making concessions to secure a deal at this stage. When so many of my colleagues are doing all they can to defeat and undermine the Government by encouraging the EU negotiators, it’s no surprise they are not making any concessions.
“It’s only if and when they realise that Boris Johnson really means it when he says the UK is leaving on October 31 will there be a last-minute opportunity for concessions and agreement. I continue to hope that a leave deal will be agreed at the last minute.”