Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi backs PM's Brexit deal

Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi has given his backing to the Prime Minister and her draft Brexit deal, but admitted some parts of the agreement will be uncomfortable for both sides.

Speaking to the Herald today, Mr Zahawi suggested that party colleagues considering submitting letters of no confidence in the Prime Minister would have to search their consciences about whether such action was in the national interest.

Mr Zahawi said: “I believe this deal will ensure an orderly withdrawal from the EU, there are some areas which will be uncomfortable for both sides, both for us and the EU, but it is the right thing to do.

“I wasn’t sure the Prime Minister would be able to get an agreement on services included, but that is in there which is very pleasing to see.

“Having no deal would be harmful to businesses and I support the Prime Minister in getting this deal agreed. I believe it is wrong to go down an extreme path, on the one side some are calling for a second referendum, which would be a betrayal of our democracy while on the other side we have those who would have us leave with a no deal, which I believe would be hugely damaging.

“Some of my colleagues might think that if they force the Prime Minister out they will get a no deal Brexit, but I believe that would be deeply harmful and something that I think my party would find it hard to recover from. They need to search their consciences about it.

“We need an orderly Brexit and this deal delivers on that.

When asked whether he thought Theresa May would still be Prime Minister in a week’s time, Mr Zahawi said: “I think she will be here, I think she’s done a great job, she’s been calm and resolute throughout.”