Thank you for contacting me about today’s votes on the Internal Market Bill.

I have always respected the result of the 2016 referendum and have always wanted to leave the European Union with a deal. I consistently voted to support the Withdrawal Agreement and continue to support the Government as it negotiates a new Free Trade Agreement with our European friends and partners.

I voted for the Internal Market Bill in order to give the Government a strong negotiating position to secure a deal which is in the interests of both parties. Negotiations continue and I remain hopeful that a deal can be reached. Today’s votes will give the Prime Minister a stronger negotiating hand and I will support them on that basis.

However, I am pleased that the Bill was amended by the Government to require a further Parliamentary vote in the New Year to bring the sections the House of Lords removed into force. This would only be needed if we fail to agree a deal with our friends in the EU.

Thank you for sharing your views on this important matter.