Commenting on the vote in the House of Commons on the Government’s bill to implement the Brexit deal, Luke Pollard said:

“After much thought and meeting with people in Plymouth that I represent, I will be voting for the deal today to stop no deal.

 

“This deal does not deliver on the promises that were made by the Government. There will be massive new costs for our businesses. It makes it harder for the arts, creative sector and professions to trade across borders and it denies our young people participation in Erasmus for no good reason.

 

“This deal betrays our fishing communities who are right to be angry. They risk their lives every day to put food on our plates and have been used as a poster-child for Brexit, only to be betrayed at the last minute. Fishing communities will not forget or forgive the Conservatives for this betrayal.

 

“I recognise the good arguments made to abstain and not support this deal. I am no cheerleader for this thin deal or this incompetent government but I promised people in Plymouth that I would do all I can to avoid no deal and that means accepting this thin deal to stop no deal.

 

“Unlike in previous votes there is not a better option ahead. The choice today is simple: it is this thin deal or no deal – that is why I am holding my nose and voting for this deal. I will remain a vocal critic of this deal and will continue to fight for the fair share this deal so denies our city.“