The Conservative MP for Dartford, Gareth Johnson, has resigned as a Government whip in order to oppose Theresa May's Brexit deal.
Here is the text of Gareth Johnson's letter of resignation:
14 January 2019
Dear Prime Minister,
It is with regret that I hereby tender my resignation to you as a Minister in the Government Whips' Office.
Over the last few weeks, I have tried to reconcile my duties as a Whip to assist the Government to implement the European Withdrawal Agreement, with my own personal objections to the agreement. I have concluded that I cannot, in all conscience, support the Government's position when it is clear this deal would be detrimental to our nation's interests.
The 'back stop', contained in the agreement, gives our country no clear, unilateral path out of the European Union and ensures we will be fettered in our ability to negotiate trade deals with other nations in the future.
Along with nearly two thirds of my constituents and a majority of the country, I supported 'leave' in the referendum as I wanted the UK to take back the sovereignty we had lost during our membership of the European Union. Unfortunately, this agreement prevents us taking back control and instead could leave us perpetually constrained by the European Union.
Like you, I am not only a Conservative but I am also a committed Unionist and I cannot accept the additional regulatory compliance required of Northern Ireland that would set it apart from the rest of the United Kingdom. I have prided myself on being a loyal Member of Parliament and I was very grateful to be given the opportunity by you last year to serve in the Government Whips' Office. I am also proud of the many achievements of this Government but I believe it would be disrespectful to the referendum result if this agreement were to be implemented. I have therefore decided the time has come to place my loyalty to my country above my loyalty to the Government.
I was hopeful that changes could be made to improve the deal with the European Union but it is now clear to me that no significant change will be made to this agreement before the Meaningful Vote takes place. I hope, however, that even at this late stage, efforts will continue to change the terms of this agreement and the impact it would have on our country. We need to rediscover our confidence and belief in our country's ability to stand tall in the world without the European Union overseeing and managing our future.
This is possibly the hardest decision I have ever made but I believe it is the right one for both my country and my constituents.
Yours sincerely
Gareth Johnson
PA
