Alex Norris MP

On Monday night, Parliament undertook a second round of indicative votes in an attempt to carve out a solution to the Brexit deadlock that the Prime Minister has led us to, by refusing to shift from her bad and unpopular Brexit deal.

As last week, my votes were based on the simple principles of respecting the outcome of the 2016 referendum, while accepting any option that would prevent a No Deal Brexit. Unlike the Prime Minister and the majority of Conservatives, I am open to any deal that will deliver Brexit while offering maximum protection for jobs, workers’ rights, trade, environmental protections and security – all of which are threatened by both No Deal and the Prime Minister’s deal.

Here is how I voted:

Option C: Leave the EU with a Customs Union – Voted FOR

This would ensure a close economic partnership with the EU following withdrawal, which would be good for the EU.

Option D: Common Market 2.0 – Voted FOR

As above, this would mean that we leave the EU but had a close economic partnership through a customs union. This would be good for the economy and solves the Irish Border issue through continued participation in the Single Market.

Option E: Any withdrawal agreement must be put to a second referendum – Voted FOR

Like I said last week, I have significant reservations about putting the final deal to another vote. Nevertheless, we are currently stuck in gridlock. If this is not resolved, then the public will need to resolve it. I therefore think it is important to keep this option on the table.

Option G – MPs to vote between no deal or revoking Article 50 if a long extension is refused – ABSTAINED

Whilst I strongly believe that No Deal is the worst possible outcome I don’t think unilaterally revoking Article 50 would properly respect the Referendum result.

Unfortunately, no majority was reached. We now wait to see how the Prime Minister proceeds, given that her deal remains further from a majority than several alternative options. With time running out, she must now realise that the only way for her deal to pass is with compromise and adjust her red lines before it is too late. Last night, she indicated that she is now prepared to do just this, by entering discussions with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and abiding by the will of Parliament.