Local MP John Lamont has announced he is joining a cross-party group of MPs set up to get a deal with the EU through Parliament.

Around 15 Conservative, Labour and independent MPs launched ‘MPs for a deal’ yesterday. The group seeks to gather together MPs from all parties who intend to vote for a deal to leave the EU before 31st October.

At the launch event, Labour MP Caroline Flint said she thought around 50 Labour MPs were prepared to vote for a deal with the EU. Since then several others have joined the group and said they will back a deal if it comes back to Parliament after the European Council Summit on October 17th.

MPs have signed up to support the following statement: “We, the undersigned will vote for a deal that protects the jobs and livelihoods of our constituents and enables the UK to leave the EU on 31 October 2019.”

Explaining his decision, John Lamont MP said: “I am a democrat, who was disappointed with the EU Referendum result. But I also think the result needs to be implemented and done so in a sensible way.

“That’s why I’m joining this cross-party group to get a deal approved by Parliament, get us out of the EU and move the country on. It is still not too late to agree a deal after the European Council summit next month.

“Too many of my colleagues have been guilty of a failure to compromise. I am happy to work with anyone from any party who shares my view that the best way to respect the referendum result is to leave the EU with a deal.

“I’m increasingly frustrated with SNP and Lib Dem MPs who claim to want to avoid a No Deal Brexit but say they will vote against any deal put to Parliament. They are clearly now more focussed on frustrating Brexit and causing as much uncertainty and delay as possible. I do not believe that this is what my constituents want.

“I’d encourage local residents who want to deliver on the referendum to put pressure on other political representatives. Members of Parliament need to back a deal and let the country move on.”