Labour MP Jess Phillips has delivered an impassioned speech to parliament about the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, saying she has been left “enraged” by the government’s “complete and utter lack of bravery” to do the right thing for the country.
Her address to Theresa May came minutes after the prime minister revealed that MPs would be given the chance to vote for a no-deal Brexit on March 13 if her proposed deal for leaving the EU was defeated the day before.
“Maybe it’s because I spent my week in my constituency trying to put out the burning injustices that the prime minister’s government has started where I live,” the Birmingham Yardley MP said, appearing to be on the verge of tears.
Accusing the PM of “crowing” over rising employment levels, Phillips continued: “Where I live, employment is falling and hunger is rising. I have one – one – midwife for the entirety of my constituency currently.”
Meanwhile, she said, people in Birmingham forced to live in hotels are having to move out because Crufts – an annual dog show – is coming to the city.
“Will the prime minister do the brave thing and do once what is best for the country, not what is best for any of us?” Phillips added, signalling to the Commons benches.
“Will she be brave and answer at least the question of my colleague – will she at least vote herself against no-deal?”
But May refused to say how she would vote, saying she was repeatedly asked questions which “try to deny the facts of the situation”.
“This House will have a decision to take, but there are only three options that will be before this House,” the prime minister said, calling the situation “very simple”.
“It is to leave the European Union with a deal, to leave without a deal or to revoke Article 50 and have no Brexit.
“I’ve been clear that the last of those is one that I will not support and I believe this House should not support as it would be going back on the result of the referendum,” she concluded.
As May went to take her seat, Phillips could be heard shouting: “You didn’t answer the question.”