As the government stumbles closer to the cliff edge of a no-deal exit from the European Union, another public vote on the deal looks likely to be the only way of breaking the deadlock.

In this vote, remaining in the EU must be an option on the ballot paper. The Prime Minister’s incompetence means that this is now the best possible option to avert disaster.

I have long campaigned for the UK to have the closest possible relationship with the EU, no matter what. In my view, the best outcome for the country would be to retain full membership. Part of the government’s problem is that it is unwilling to recognise a simple fact: There is no Brexit outcome which is as good as staying in the EU.

The government’s approach to Brexit has been a humiliating failure. From my discussions with people in Bristol, it is clear that ‘no deal’ would be a disaster for our city, for individuals and businesses.

And in my view, the deal on offer is nearly as bad, creating huge uncertainty. I will be voting against it. The people of Bristol West and the whole UK must now be given a chance to say yes or no to this deal, with the option of remaining in the EU. If we are successful in obtaining a further public vote I will campaign hard for remain.