British MP quits over ‘differences’ with government
UK Conservative MP Stephen Phillips, who criticized Prime Minister Theresa May over the handling of the Brexit process, has resigned, citing "irreconcilable policy differences" with the current government.
The Tory MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, in Lincolnshire, made the announcement on Friday, saying in a statement that he could no longer represent his constituents.
"It has been a great honor to serve the people of Sleaford and North Hykeham for the last six years, but it has become clear to me over the last few months that my growing and very significant policy differences with the current Government mean that I am unable properly to represent the people who elected me,” Phillips said.
“This decision has been a difficult one and I hope that everyone will respect the fact that I have tried to act in the best interests of all of my constituents,” he added.
Phillips backed leaving the European Union (EU) but has accused UK ministers of ignoring the parliament since Britain’s Leave vote.
The resignation comes after the High Court ruled that the country cannot leave the 28-member bloc without the permission of the British Parliament and that May must get parliamentary approval before triggering Article 50.
May has vowed to challenge the High Court ruling, saying the government is “determined to continue with our plans,” and has "no intention of letting” the ruling “derail Article 50 or the timetable we have set out.”
On June 23, some 52 percent (17.4 millions) of British people voted in a referendum to leave the EU after 43 years of membership, while roughly 48 percent (16.14 millions) of people voted to stay in the union.
The vote result caused political turmoil in Britain and sent economic shockwaves through the country as well as global financial markets. The pound has slumped to a record low against the dollar.
1 in 3 Muslims considers leaving UK due to rising Islamophobia
Over 300 Arab figures urge British FM apology over Gaza genocide denial
Thousands rally in London against far-right racism
Iran beats traditional rival Russia in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling friendly
Rape trials trigger protests against French ‘sexist and misogynistic’ culture
US photographer opens Berlin exhibition with anti-Israel speech
VIDEO | Press TV's News Headlines
VIDEO | US 'non-profit killer’ bill targets pro-Palestinian groups
Explainer: How Yemeni military chased away US aircraft carrier from Red Sea?
French march for women of Palestine
Erdogan: Upholding ICC arrest warrants will restore trust in intl. system
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
