Newbury Lib Dems call for Richard Benyon to give people the final say on Brexit

[Administrator]

Lib Dems call for Newbury MP to give people the final say on Brexit
West Berkshire's Liberal Democrat Party Chairman Tony Vickers has written to
Newbury MP Richard Benyon urging him to vote in favour of the people having the
final say on Brexit, including the option to remain in the EU. Parliament debates the
EU Withdrawal Bill this week.
Dr Vickers said it was "crunch time" and urged Mr Benyon to "put country before
party" and added: "Brexit is an immediate threat to our economy and public services.
From the drop in the value of the pound to the shortage of skilled workers, the impact
is already being felt in West Berkshire."
"Regardless of how people voted, it is clear that no one is getting what they wanted.
That is why it is so important the people, not the politicians, have the final say on the
deal, including the option to remain in the EU".
The EU Withdrawal Bill is returning to the House of Commons on Tuesday 12th June.
The Bill returns from the House of Lords where over 100 amendments were made,
including 15 Government defeats. The Liberal Democrats have lodged an
amendment which, if successful, will ensure the people have the final say on the
Brexit deal, including the option to remain in the EU.
Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson Tom Brake MP has said: "The Lords defeated
the Government on fifteen occasions. In doing so, membership of the European
Economic Area was backed and attempts to hand ministers 'blank cheque' powers
were squashed. This was achieved because both Tory and Labour Peers joined the
Liberal Democrats and voted with their conscience, defying their parties' whips.
"The Brexit ball is now back in the Common's court. The challenge for MPs of all
political colours is to follow the example set by their colleagues and vote to defend
the interests of their constituents."

TEXT OF LETTER TO MR BENYON follows:-
Dear Richard,
Brexit is an immediate threat to our economy and public services. From the drop in
the value of the pound to the shortage of skilled workers, the impact is already being
felt.
Meanwhile the present Government seems incapable of making any kind of plan for
Brexit and key figures in you party are not only an embarrassment but they are
putting their own personal agenda ahead of our national interest. None of the
country's real problems are being addressed because Brexit is absorbing everyone's
total 'bandwidth'.
Regardless of how people voted, it is clear that no one is getting what they wanted.
That is why it is so important the people, not the politicians, should have the final say
on the deal.
With the EU Withdrawal Bill now due back in the House of Commons, I urge you to
back the Liberal Democrat amendment 19 to give the people the final say.
This process started with democracy and should end with democracy. With the eyes
of history watching, I hope you will put the country and your constituency before
party. It is crunch time.
You campaigned Remain. Most of your constituents voted Remain. Hardly any of
them voted to be made poorer yet households are already on average £900/yr
poorer.
We all deserve the chance to reconsider. Democracy did not end with the
Referendum. Members of Parliament must put the interests of the country above
everything.
Before it is too late, I hope you join us to give voters an opportunity to stop a
disastrous Brexit, which as we both know will inflict permanent damage to our
country. Please allow us to hit the 'reset' button.
Kind regards,
Tony Vickers, Chair, West Berkshire & Newbury Liberal Democrats

[Old Goat]

Can't even say nice try to that!  I'd be surprised if our MP even thought it worthy of a response, but then he comes across as very polite. 

It's one of those letters some people feel the urge to write and then tear up when reflection and reality cuts in.