Many thanks for contacting me about Brexit.
Over the past month
alone, I have received thousands of pieces of correspondence from
constituents (letters, emails and phone calls) about Brexit. I want you
to know that I do appreciate the concerns and frustrations
that have been raised as the debate on our withdrawal from the EU
continues. Time does not allow for me to respond to every individual
point, but I want you to know that I do read through all the comments
and points you raise. Please do continue to share
them with me. It is invaluable for me to hear all the very different
opinions.
I would like to update
you on the events in the House of Commons this week. The debate on the
Withdrawal Agreement resumed on Wednesday 8 January and will continue
until the vote on the Agreement on Tuesday
15 January. On Wednesday, the Government accepted a key amendment to
the EU Withdrawal Act. This amendment, tabled by Dominic Grieve MP,
means that if the Withdrawal Agreement is voted down, the Government
must present the next steps to Parliament in 3 working
days, instead of 21.
Two of the options, if
the Agreement does not get through the House, are that we either leave
on World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules or we have a second referendum.
I am strongly of the belief that there is
not a majority of MPs who want to leave on WTO rules. It may be the
case that another referendum might get a majority in the House, however
it is possible that other options may be put forward.
I have great concerns
about a second referendum. I now understand, however, that it may be
the only way out of any impasse that Parliament will face if the
Agreement is voted down. Until the House faces such
a deadlock, it will be very difficult to enact the enabling legislation
for a second referendum.
As I have mentioned, the
debate on the Agreement is scheduled to continue until the vote on
Tuesday 15 January. I am certain that all outcomes will be considered
and I encourage you to follow the debates live
via the link at https://parliamentlive.tv/Commons. You can also find a transcript of what has already been discussed since the debate resumed,
at: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2019-01-09. Please let me know if you would like a paper copy of the debates, as I can
arrange for this to be sent you.
When it comes to the vote
on Tuesday, I will consider all of the advice that I have been given
and vote for what I believe is the right thing for my constituents and
for the country. Thank you again for contacting
me, please continue to do so, and I will keep you updated as the debate
continues in the House.
My best wishes,
Anne
The Rt Hon Anne Milton MP
Member of Parliament for Guildford
Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills
Tel: 020 7219 8392/0017
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