THE Prime Minister’s strategy for Britain leaving the European Union is just about acceptable, according to Colchester’s MP.

Conservative Will Quince backed the leave campaign in the 2016 referendum.

Theresa May’s plan for next year’s scheduled departure includes “maintaining a common rulebook for all goods” with the EU and harmonisation with the union on rules in a bid to avoid friction on the Irish border.

Mrs May’s blueprint also sets out a bid for EU case law to be given “due regard” in the UK and for Parliament to oversee trade policy. Mr Quince said: “Following the referendum result the Prime Minister set out our negotiating ‘red lines’ in her Lancaster House speech.

“These red lines included that we would leave the European Union, including the single market and customs union, so we can strike trade deals across the world.

“It also said we would once again be able to control our immigration policy and British courts would cease being subservient to the European Court of Justice.

“So does this current ‘Chequers Agreement’ deliver on these red lines? Just. Although the red lines are becoming quite faded.

“I know a number of people don’t believe that this proposal fulfils the instruction given by the referendum result.

“I understand the wider concern, one I share, is that this is an initial offer which will be subject to further negotiation and that we will see the further fading of our red lines whilst the EU’s position remain undiminished and intact.

“I do, however, welcome the announcement contained within that preparations will be stepped up for a WTO outcome.

“It has always been the case that no deal is better than a bad deal, and so we should ensure we are ready for this possibility.

“It is incredibly important that the Government listens to the concerns being raised by people across the country, and that the recently published Future Relationship between the UK and EU White Paper is the start of a process by which we can arrive at a mutually beneficial deal.”

“I will continue to play my part in this through my role as a Parliamentary Private Secretary, as well as making sure that the Government is aware of your concerns.

“Brexit must mean Brexit as the Prime Minister has reiterated on numerous occasions.

“If we cannot come to an arrangement which honours our red lines, then we must be prepared to walk away from the negotiations with no deal and seek to negotiate a deal with them from a position outside the European Union.

“Colchester told the Government in the referendum that the UK should leave the European Union and become a global nation looking at opportunities across the horizon – this is something which I am determined to ensure they deliver.”