MPs need to back the Prime Minister's Brexit deal today, the Conservative candidate to be Stroud MP has said.
Siobhan Baillie, who hopes to oust Labour's David Drew at the next general election, has outlined her approach to Brexit after facing calls on Twitter to give her view on today's vote in Parliament.
Speaking to the SNJ, Ms Baillie first said: "I voted to Remain but on losing, I have consistently said that we should roll up our sleeves and get on with implementing the result to leave the EU.
"I am confident that we will adapt to whatever deal is settled with the EU as we are an able, agile and intelligent country with a bright future."
Ms Baillie went on to say that Theresa May's deal is "the only deal on the table," arguing it would bring certainty to businesses and protect jobs, allow Britain to set out an independent immigration policy, stop large payments to Brussels, and free the UK from following "all new EU laws unless we decide to."
She added it was "absolutely necessary for parliamentarians to vote for a deal and settle this matter as soon as possible."
Her remarks come after several Labour Twitter accounts called on Ms Baillie to explain how she would vote today if she was Stroud MP.
Yes, a serious question: what is @Siobhan_Baillie view on Brexit? If she was our MP, how would she vote on Tuesday? @stroudnews @glosgazette @BBCGlos https://t.co/5GAwe5YfRN
— Cam, Dursley and Berkeley Labour Party (@cdblabour) January 13, 2019
Ms Baillie did not initially offer a response, having previously said she does not reply on Twitter due to "past trolls and online hate."
It’s been brought to my attention that the local Labour group & a few others are spending a lot of their time tweeting at me. I thought it was obvs but... N.B. I DON’T REPLY ON HERE.
— Siobhan (@Siobhan_Baillie) October 10, 2018
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Mr Drew is voting against the deal. In a video released yesterday, he said Mrs May's plan "does not deal with the Northern Ireland backstop, nor is it the right trading arrangement for the future of our country."
I'm back in Parliament tonight ahead of the crucial vote on the Prime Minister’s deal on leaving the EU.
— David Drew MP (@DavidEDrew) January 14, 2019
I will be voting against the proposed deal because it does not protect our economy, jobs, rights and environmental standards.#Brexit #BrexitVote #Stroud pic.twitter.com/pxBSV73GYi
Aside from giving her backing to Ms May's deal to the SNJ, Ms Baillie expressed her "serious reservations" about a second referendum, fearing it would "bring the most divisive campaigning we have ever seen" - echoing Mr Drew's previous remarks.
She also argued a general election, as called for by Mr Drew, would not settle the issue of Brexit. "Over 80% of the voting electorate in the last general election voted for parties that committed to leaving the EU and there are still arguments now," she said.
George Butcher, a Stroud's Liberal Democrat candidate, supports a second referendum.
"The only escape from this Tory mess is to give the people the final say on the deal, including the option to remain in the EU," he said.
The SNJ will be getting the reaction of both Mr Drew and Ms Baillie after the vote, which is expected to take place at around 7pm.
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