MPs write letter urging May to avoid No Deal Brexit

With just over one week to go until the Parliamentary vote on British Prime Minister Theresa May's proposals to take the county out of the European Union at the end of March, more than 200 MPs from across the political spectrum have signed a letter urging her to rule out any possibility of a No Deal Brexit.

May's proposals for Britain's future economic and political relationship with Europe have been approved by the leaders of the other EU countries but still require the support of British Parliament.

Before Christmas a vote on the matter, in which May was expected to suffer a substantial defeat, was postponed at the last moment, prompting a challenge to her leadership from within her own party, which she survived.

The delayed vote is due to take place next week but there is no sign yet of her proposals having any more support, and time is running out for any alternative arrangements to be put in place before the scheduled Brexit date of March 29, raising fears of a damaging no-deal Brexit.

The letter is written by Conservative MP Caroline Spelman and Labour's Jack Dromey, and has signatories from the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties, as well as the Scottish and Welsh national parties.

Spelman said it has the backing of MPs from both the Leave and Remain camps, and was concerned with the potential economic damage that could be caused by a no-deal Brexit.

"The renaissance of manufacturing and its supply chains in this country, bolstered by demand for exports, has markedly improved the lives of our constituents," the letter says."The principal market for these exports has been the European Union.

"The revival of the manufacturing industry has created innumerable jobs, not only via direct employment but also in the supply chain and ancillary services. Leaving the EU without a deal would cause unnecessary economic damage."

The signatories of the letter have been invited to meet May on Tuesday, and Spelman, a Remain supporter, said this was a sign that the prime minister was taking their concerns seriously.

"Yes, I definitely think she gets it. She wouldn't have invited us to come in and see her if she didn't," she told the BBC.