If we are to break the Brexit deadlock, the next Prime Minister will need to have a credible plan and be honest with the public about the difficult choices ahead. However, this week has seen a number of dubious claims about what can be achieved between now and 31 October. For example, claims the UK can cherry-pick the Withdrawal Agreement, or could rely on Article 24 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT 24) to guarantee no tariffs under a No Deal Brexit, are simply not based in reality.

If these claims are not corrected, I fear the next administration will repeat the mistakes of its predecessor, with false promises, empty rhetoric and unrealistic red lines. Whatever plan the next Prime Minister comes up with, I believe they should have the confidence to go back to the people to let them decide the future of our country.

Figures published by the Department for International Trade this week showed inward investment to create new jobs in the UK has fallen off a cliff-edge. The number of new projects in the UK fell by 14% in 2018-19, with the number of new jobs created falling by 24%. The number of new jobs created by foreign direct investment projects was the lowest in seven years. As highlighted by the recent EY UK Attractiveness Survey, the Government’s Brexit chaos and lack of clarity for business has meant investors have simply decided not to put their money into the UK.

The Government’s mishandling of Brexit is also compounding its failure to tackle the long-term pressures facing the automotive industry. Vauxhall’s owners this week said production of its new Astra model in the UK will be conditional on the final terms of our exit from the EU. Trade unions involved in discussions with Vauxhall’s owners have warned that a No Deal exit is not an option. I believe this announcement must be a warning to our next Prime Minister. Openly advocating for a No Deal Brexit threatens the future of the car industry in the UK, as well as the jobs and livelihoods of the thousands of people who work in it.

Businesses and trade unions have warned of the huge risks of No Deal for the economy and working people. MPs cannot be bystanders if the next Prime Minister tries to force through No Deal without the consent of the British people. I will not give up on the fight to take No Deal off the table and for any Brexit deal to go back to the people for a final say.