That’s the warning from Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark who in his role as Business Minister is at the heart of the ongoing Brexit debate within Theresa May’s Cabinet, the Conservative Party and the country at large.
There has even been unsubstantiated media speculation in recent days that he would quit his ministerial post in the event of a ‘no deal’.
Mr Clark told the Times this week: “No deal would be a disaster for Britain, ravaging our economy for a generation.
“I will use my positon in the Cabinet to make sure it will never become the policy of the British Government.”
Mr Clark fully supports Theresa May’s proposed so called Chequers’ exit package as does the Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat although he would do so reluctantly.
He told this newspaper: “As things stand, and with a very heavy heart, I was intending to back the Prime Minister’s deal.
I hope this will provide the opportunity we all need to think hard about the implications of decisions before us. None of us were elected to gamble with our country’s future.
“Though we still have to negotiate the transition arrangements I do think it is imperative to bring some clarity to this matter as quickly as possible. There are firms and companies lining up to invest in our towns and they need to know what we are planning before they do. That requires an agreement and so far this is the only one on the table.
“Of course, the current turmoil in Westminster and the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Europe to seek some further assurances leave us no more certain what the future holds.
“I hope this will provide the opportunity we all need to think hard about the implications of decisions before us. None of us were elected to gamble with our country’s future.”
Mr Tugendhat said he was greatly concerned at the uncertainty of rejecting the agreement and leaving without a deal.
He added:” That would leave us open to a range of possibilities, from the possibility of a further referendum, to the economic challenge of a departure with no agreement on future arrangements.
“The impact of a departure without an agreement on our continuing trade with the EU would be severe and I am confident we can find better arrangements for our community.
“Should we choose not to, however, communities such as Borough Green, Platt and Wrotham would feel the impact very quickly, as I’ve made it clear, following the closure of the M26, which is part of the government’s plan to handle any delays in trade flow.
“That would leave our friends and neighbours cut off and I couldn’t vote for something which could damage communities I represent in this way.”
The Withdrawal Agreement is a good compromise that provides certainty for businesses
The Member of Wealden Nus Ghani told the Times that she believes Theresa May’s Withdrawal Agreement is “a good compromise that provides certainty for our businesses and gets us out of the European Union in March 2019, as voted for by the British people”.
She added: “I supported the Prime Minister in the confidence vote as a leadership contest is a distraction and doesn’t change the maths in Parliament.
“We should be focused on delivering a good deal and leaving the UK in March.”
