CLACTON MP Giles Watling is likely to vote against Theresa May’s Brexit deal.

Mr Watling said he is minded to vote against the deal at Tuesday’s meaningful vote in Parliament “because of the backstop”.

Some MPs are unhappy about the deal’s two-year transition period while the UK and EU negotiate their long-term relationship.

It includes a controversial “backstop” preventing border controls in Ireland in case the long-term relationship is not agreed by the end of 2020.

Mr Watling said: “The majority of my constituents voted to leave, and I have no doubt, from my discussions, that the majority maintain that opinion.

“I do appreciate that voting against this deal may move us closer towards no deal.

“However, I will not blink in this situation and will not back the deal when staring down this outcome.

“I do not want or welcome no deal, no one does, but I am sure that the British public would far prefer a no deal outcome to any deal that left us vulnerable to an indefinite backstop – this is not what they, or my constituents, voted for and would mean that the last two years would have been for nothing.

“We are currently scheduled to vote on this matter next week, and as this is a fluid issue, I would expect some movement.

“As ever, I do not believe that we should have a second referendum, nor should we extend or revoke Article 50.

“The British people voted to leave, and we must deliver on that instruction, rather than delay or prevent it.”

Essex Labour MEP Alex Mayer said the deal on the table is no better than the deal before Christmas.

She added: "It still leaves us paying a huge divorce bill, but with no guarantees for the future and abiding by rules but with no say in making them.

“We’ve got a much better deal with the EU at the moment so I urge MPs to put their country first and vote against this national humiliation.”