Gloria De Piero MP slams Brexit Withdrawal Agreement

Yesterday, the Prime Minister Theresa May successfully managed to get her cabinet to agree to a withdrawal arrangement for Britain’s exit from the European Union. 

In that arrangement, it would see Britain remaining strong partners with the EU and put Northern Ireland into a close relationship with the EU’s Single Market and a new “backstop” customs union. 

This “backstop” is reported to be temporary, however if the UK wishes to leave the backstop it must have the agreement of the European Union to do so.

It would also see the UK pay £39bn to leave the European Union, while “ending freedom of movement” and creating a new “points-based” immigration policy.

It means the UK would leave the Common Fishery and Agricultural Policies, creating a common understanding between UK and the EU about these sectors.

She said: “Labour respects the referendum result, but no one can respect the government’s handling of the Brexit negotiations.

“The Tories have put their party’s interests before the country’s interests, and the result has been a bad deal that will put jobs, rights and living standards at risk.

“Labour has created an alternative Brexit plan to bring the country together, which includes a new comprehensive and permanent customs union, with a British say in future trade deals.

“That would support businesses, jobs and the manufacturing supply chains they depend on.

“We also advocate a strong single market relationship that allows British business continued access to vital European markets for both goods and services.

“Labour also guarantee that our country won’t fall behind the EU in workers’ rights, or protections for consumers and the environment.

“We won’t let this Conservative Government use Brexit as an excuse for a race to the bottom in protections or rights at work.”

Speaking on Mr Raab’s resignation Jonathan Bullock, East Midlands MEP, said: “The resignation of Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab shows what a bad deal Theresa May has negotiated.

“She now must be forced out and a Brexiteer take over and deliver a real Brexit either by a Canada plus agreement or, if time has ran out, leaving with no deal and on WTO rules.”