This evening, I shall be voting in support of the Prime Minister’s deal on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Not least as a member of the Brexit Select Committee, I have been monitoring the deal process very carefully and what follows is a distillation of many hundreds of hours that I have spent investigating and considering the way in which we should approach Brexit.

The proposed treaty is not a perfect deal from my point of view but, realistically, no one was going to get everything they wanted in the negotiations. Taking on board many considerations, I do feel that it represents a fair basis on which to proceed. It fulfils our manifesto commitment to leave the EU on the basis of the UK regaining control of its finances, borders and trade policy. At the same time, it ensures that we retain a close and minimum friction trading relationship with our largest trading partner.

If you wish to read more about my position, can I refer you to the speech I made in the House last week here.

You will undoubtedly have seen many reports that it is likely that the Government will lose the vote on the deal this evening. I hope that this is not the case; but, if this turns out to be, I shall proceed on the basis of three principles:

• that we do not delay the process of moving to Plan B;
• that under no circumstances shall I support a “No Deal” or WTO option; and
• the option I do support must protect British jobs and business investment to safeguard our prosperity.

As to which exact direction this would take me, I cannot now finally say, as I would wish carefully to consider the various options, both procedurally and in terms of policy.

I hope that this provides you with a good idea of my thoughts at this critical time for the UK’s future.

Yours sincerely

Jonathan Djanogly