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A Somerset MP has said that Parliament should be prepared to sit through Christmas to resolve the deadlock over Brexit.

Theresa May addressed the House of Commons yesterday (Monday, December 10) to confirm that she has postponed a Parliament vote on her Brexit deal - a vote she was likely to lose.

Bridgwater and West Somerset MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger, believes the Prime Minister's decision to call off the vote showed she has listened to the concerns of MPs.

The Conservative MP however states voters now want an end to months of uncertainty and to know where the country stood ahead of the Brexit deadline.

Following a visit to Downing Street to speak with prime ministerial advisors, Mr Liddell-Grainger said: "All through this process we have been feeding the views of the public through to Parliament and it is vital, now we are approaching the end game, that that flow of information continues.

"What concerns me and many other MPs is that time is running out: as things stand the House is due to rise for Christmas on the 21st.

"But we are in pretty well uncharted waters now and exceptional times require exceptional measures, even if that means sitting on Christmas Day if we need to: the future of the UK is far more important, after all, than 650 peoples' holidays."

The Conservative MP meanwhile has appealed for constituents to keep him in touch with the public's thoughts on the Brexit deal.

Theresa May has since returned to Brussels to seek changes to the deal, particularly about the Irish border.

"There is no way we should re-run the argument" - MP against calls for a People's Vote

(Image: Getty)

The MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset MP had originally questioned Theresa May's deal but praised her for trying "incredibly hard" to ensure the agreement.

Ian Liddell-Grainger previously said: "Whatever some may think, there is no doubt in my mind that the Prime Minister has tried incredibly hard.

"She has put her back into negotiating and kept her cool. No-one is dancing in the streets at the outcome, but there is respect for the lady and her sincerity.

"I agree with her on the issue of a second referendum.

"There is no way we should re-run the argument. It would be a denial of the democratic vote two years ago. In my constituency people voted to leave by a decisive margin.

"You cannot ask the public to decide and then expect them to do it again because you didn't like the first answer.

"My instinct and my mailbag suggest that very few have changed their minds anyway."

What is the Prime Minister's original Brexit deal?

The Mirror Online reports that the Brexit deal orginally agreed by Theresa May and the EU covers two areas: the Withdrawal Agreement, covering the UK's exit from the EU, and the Political Declaration on a Future Framework, which sets out the relationship with the EU after Britain leaves.

1. The Withdrawal Agreement

The transition period can be extended until 2022 - after the next election

Goods face being checked between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK

A 'backstop' could extend EU customs rules UK-wide - and we'd need Brussels' permission to quit

European courts will still have a big hold on the UK

2. The Future Framework

"Comprehensive arrangements that will create a free trade area" - not exactly the "frictionless trade" hoped for

Possible EU access to British fishing waters

We would remain tied to European courts

We'd respect human rights laws

Visas needed for long term trips to the EU

It has built in vagueness - kicking the can down the road for further negotiations

Got a Bridgwater or West Somerset story to share? Email me at michael.taylor@reachplc.com or call 01935 709742.

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