Withington’s Labour MP Jeff Smith has set out the reasons why he will be defying his party leader Jeremy Corbyn and voting against the government’s decision to trigger Article 50 and begin the process of leaving the European Union
I campaigned strongly for a remain vote. I believe in internationalism, and that our future should be at the heart of Europe. I was dismayed and saddened by the referendum result nationally, but in representing the voters and interests of Manchester Withington, I am conscious that our area voted with a large majority to remain.”
In a piece posted to his website he cites the government not having a convincing plan for leaving the European Union, the fact that the public will not have the chance to vote on the final deal and that leaving the EU is not in the best interest of my constituents.
By voting against Article 50, Smith, elected to Parliament in 2015 may well end up having to resign from his job as Labour Whip and joins a small band of MP’s who are rebelling against their leader on the European issue.
