Ulster Unionist MEP, Jim Nicholson, has stated that he believes there are those in the Cabinet who know that the Withdrawal Agreement is a bad deal for the Union and bad for the country. He urges MPs to trust their instincts and push for a better deal.

Mr Nicholson said:

“The future of our country is in the hands of the House of Commons. These next few days will prove pivotal in the nation’s history. I would urge MPs of all parties to think seriously about the implications of this deal. The Government spin is that the only options are this deal, or no deal. Neither of those options are acceptable. It suits Juncker and co to say that but the reality is there is still time for the UK and the EU to agree something better.

“I have no doubt there are sincere Unionists even in the cabinet who in their gut know this deal is bad for the Union and bad for the country. My message to those individuals is: trust your instincts, push for a better deal, do not jeopardise the integrity of the UK simply for the sake of getting something over the line.

“We are not talking about something that can be corrected in the future after it is agreed. This will become a legally binding international treaty. Against that, no commitment from this Government nor any Government will have the same weight.

“I have a lot of respect for our Prime Minister. This is not about personalities but it is about principles. Any deal involves compromises, but as the Government’s own legal advice spells out, the Northern Ireland backstop is a step too far. Theresa May herself once said no UK Prime Minister could accept a customs or regulatory border down the Irish Sea - that is as true now as it was then, and in her heart I think she knows that.”