I put in to speak today in all the statements and the debate on the EU. Sadly I didn’t make it through the ballot and wasn’t called, but my view is simple. This isn’t the deal that was promised. It’s the first trade deal in history to increase barriers to trade.

It is weak on financial services and silent on 80% of our trade in services. It leaves our police unable to access key information. It will slow down extradition of criminals to face justice. It is, however, the only deal on the table - and I’ve always argued for a deal.

Voting it down would mean voting for no deal when all other EU nations and sister parties are voting for it. I hate abstaining. It means relying on others to vote for you. So, I will vote for the bill with a heavy heart and devote myself to putting right the damage.