MP: keep all options on the table if Brexit deal fails

The Labour MP for Wolverhampton South West has vowed to vote against the agreement Theresa May reached with the EU, saying it does not protect jobs or ensure frictionless trade for British firms.

She has backed Jeremy Corbyn's official position in calling for a General Election if the deal is rejected, but wants to see all options left on the table to avoid a 'no deal' scenario, including her party campaigning for a second referendum.

In a letter to constituents Ms Smith said that if an election is not possible, 'we need to be flexible and have all options on the table to break the deadlock and avoid 'no deal' – including campaigning for a public vote'.

"I realise that not everyone is satisfied with this... and many in the party are now actively campaigning for a second referendum," she said.

"I am still unconvinced that a second referendum will be the answer, and solve the problems we have had since the decision of 2016 and the subsequently poorly negotiated deal.

"I will continue to call for a General Election, while I want to avoid crashing out of the EU with no deal because of the economic and social consequences which I believe will follow."

Ms Smith told the Express & Star that Mrs May's deal 'will not protect jobs, workplace rights, or environmental standards'.

"It will not ensure frictionless trade for UK businesses. I have no option but to vote against the deal on December 11," she added.

"I do not believe that Parliament’s choice is simply between her bad deal and no deal at all. I will work across Parliament to ensure a no-deal Brexit does not happen.”

Wolverhampton's other two Labour MPs, Emma Reynolds and Pat McFadden, also plan to vote against the deal.

Mrs May appears to be facing an uphill battle to get her deal through Parliament, with MPs set to oppose it by a margin of two-to-one.

The Labour party's official line is to vote against the deal, although the party's Dudley North MP Ian Austin has suggested he may back it.