The issue at the heart of our contentious relationship with the European Union – and before that the Common Market – was sovereignty, rather than trade.
Likewise, the debate over the Withdrawal Agreement: it has little to do with our trading relationship and everything to do with ensuring that sovereignty remains firmly with the EU, although technically Britain will have left.
It seems obvious that if they wish their party to remain a credible party of government, Conservative MPs must offer their support to a leadership candidate who recognises this reality, who is determined to reject the Withdrawal Agreement and who will commit himself to ensuring that the United Kingdom becomes a sovereign state once again.
Barry Legg
Chairman, Bruges Group
London SW1
This letter appeared in The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday 4th June 2019