I have received many emails from my constituents in support of the LabourRemain.org declaration.

Let me be clear that I am grossly concerned at the way our withdrawal from the European Union has been handled. I believe the last three years since the referendum have been wasted, with the Government failing the electorate time after time, with no respect for people’s jobs and frictionless trade post-exit.

First and foremost, the Labour position is that any deal must be mandated by the public. Whether this is through a General Election or a public vote on the deal, the public’s concerns and views are regarded with upmost significance. I wholeheartedly agree with this position, and I believe it’s the position that best suits our core values, as a party and a nation, of justice, equality and opportunity for all.

I voted against the Prime Minister’s deal because it will not protect jobs, workplace rights or environmental standards, nor ensure frictionless trade for British businesses. It is a bad deal. I have always said that any sensible Brexit deal must be one that puts jobs and living standards first by retaining a close economic relationship with the EU and securing frictionless trade with improved rights and standards.

Leaving the EU without a deal would be catastrophic and could open the way to deregulation and a race to the bottom in rights and protections. Businesses and trade unions have warned of the huge risks of No Deal for our economy and working people. The Government cannot plunge our country into chaos because of its own failure.

Faced with the renewed threat of No Deal and a Prime Minister with no mandate, I believe the only way out of the Brexit crisis is to go back to the people. The public must be allowed to decide the country’s future, either in a general election or through a public vote on any deal agreed in Parliament.

As your elected representative in Parliament, I welcome the views and comments of my constituents throughout this process and I thank those who wrote to me to share their views.