Tory MPs in last-ditch plea on Brexit vote: Respect the EU referendum result

Tory MPs have called for politicians in the West Midlands to respect the EU referendum vote – as one of their number prepares to vote with the opposition when the Brexit bill reaches a crucial stage tonight.

At least 10 Tory rebels – including Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy – are set to defy the Government and vote for Dominic Grieve’s 'amendment 7', which they say will secure a 'meaningful vote' for the Commons on the final Brexit deal.

Their votes would almost certainly see defeat for Theresa May, just days after she secured a breakthrough deal allowing talks with the EU to progress onto the next stage.

Labour has said they will back the amendment, with shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer saying: "The terms of our future are not for the Government alone to determine."

But in a last ditch bid for cross-party solidarity, Stourbridge Conservative MP Margot James has called for MPs to ensure the bill passes 'smoothly' through to the committee stage.

She said doing this will 'provide certainty' for businesses and families and will 'ensure that MPs can deliver on what the people voted for'.

Ms James said: “People in the West Midlands voted to leave the EU and the votes in Parliament this week will allow us to make sure that happens in the smoothest possible way.

“Now more than ever we need a united approach to get the best Brexit deal for the country – so it is time for MPs across the West Midlands to support this Withdrawal Bill, no matter which party they come from.

“We’re working to get the best Brexit deal for our country so that we can build a better future for people in the West Midlands by regaining control of our laws, money and borders.”

Her comments have been backed by Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris and Dudley South MP Mike Wood.

Mr Lefroy, who backed Remain in the EU referendum, has previously insisted he has no plans to block Brexit, but vowed to scrutinise all key legislation.

Other Tories who have signed Mr Grieve’s amendment include Kenneth Clarke, Nicky Morgan, Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen.

The Government has attempted to avert a backbench revolt, with Brexit Secretary David Davis promising MPs there would be 'a number of votes' on the final deal struck between the UK and EU.

Mr Davis issued a written ministerial statement clarifying his approach ahead of the Commons showdown, insisting that the withdrawal agreement would not be implemented until there had been a resolution passed by MPs and peers.

But the move appears to fall short of Mr Grieve's demand that the final deal is enshrined in a statute passed by Parliament before it can be put into effect.

In his letter to MPs, Mr Davis specifically referred to Mr Grieve's attempt to rewrite the European Union (Withdrawal) bill and said he was responding to concerns 'by making clear that there will be a number of votes for Parliament on the final deal we strike with the EU'.

Shadow Brexit secretary Matthew Pennycook urged Tory rebels to 'walk the walk' and defy the Government in the vote.

"Warm words and woolly concessions from ministers are not enough," he said.

"Tory MPs must now make a choice about whether they will allow ministers to press ahead with their fatally flawed withdrawal bill or accept Labour’s sensible demands to ensure parliament has a meaningful role."

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier wants the withdrawal deal finalised by October 2018 and the Government has committed to hold a vote in Parliament as soon as possible after the negotiations have concluded.

MPs are set to continue to debate the bill this afternoon, with votes due after 7pm tonight.

EU leaders are expected to agree on Friday that the Brexit talks can move on to the next phase, discussing a transition arrangement and the future relationship between the UK and the remaining 27 member states.