SOUTH Cumbrian MPs have been having their say in the run up to the Brexit vote.

Today, parliament will vote on Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal.

If the vote goes through, the UK will leave the European Union as planned later this year.

If the vote is rejected, the country faces the possibility of either leaving the EU without a deal, a second referendum or a general election, among other possibilities.

As it stands, the UK is still set to leave the EU on March 29 regardless if a deal is in place or not.

John Woodcock, the independent MP for Barrow and Furness has decided to vote against the Prime Minister’s deal, he said: “The proposed Brexit deal would make our area poorer, our country less safe and diminish our influence in the world.

“The only real result of these years of chaotic back and forth is to expose as a terrible lie the Brexiteers’ referendum claim that we could keep all the economic and security benefits we had in the EU without any of the obligations.

“My main concern is how badly it stands to hurt our economy by making it more expensive for consumers to buy things from abroad and load costs onto local businesses.

“This would hit our standard of living and cost jobs, all while still tying us to many of the rules and regulations of the EU without getting a say over them anymore.

“I have a responsibility to act in what I believe is the best interests of the people I am privileged to represent and that means voting no.”

Liberal Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “Whether you voted Leave or Remain, we are all united in wanting the best future for Britain.

“But this deal will make us poorer, less safe and with less of a say over our laws.

“I love my country and will vote against any deal that will harm it.”

Trudy Harrison, the Conservative MP for Copeland made her position clear in a speech in the House of Commons.

She said: “I will be supporting the agreement.

“The key points of leaving are met in the deal: free movement, the direct jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, and the vast budget payments to the EU all end.

“Citizens’ rights will be protected both here in the UK and in the EU, which means the benefits of healthcare, pensions and other important matters will be protected.”

She said she, like many, voted to leave in the referendum and the government should respect the result.