AN MP has called for the government to use the Brexit extension to 'plan a proper way out of this mess'.

This comes after European Union leaders granted the UK a six-month extension to Brexit, the new deadline is October 31.

John Woodcock, MP for Barrow and Furness, said: “We should not be in the position where the Prime Minister had to go back to Brussels to seek this extension but given where we are it is a relief that we have a bit more time to break the deadlock.

“It is vital we put this extension to good use and plan a proper way out of this mess rather than continuing to bang our head against the wall.

"Now it is clear the cost free Brexit promised by campaigners was a myth, we need a confirmatory vote on any version of Brexit agreed by parliament.

“Giving the public the final say will give a safeguard both to those who want the country to change its mind and remain in the EU and Brexit supporters who think the prime minister’s deal is an unacceptable halfway house that keeps us tied to the EU while depriving us of a voice round the table.”

Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland said: "This is exactly why I voted for the Withdrawal Agreement, despite my concerns about the backstop, because the greater risk is a long extension or not respecting the greatest democratic participation event in our history."

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “While I welcome the fact that the extension agreed by the Prime Minister and the European Union has prevented us from crashing out without a deal – something which would be deeply damaging especially to our vital farming and hospitality sectors – we are still no nearer to a solution being found to the current gridlock.

“After almost three years since the referendum, the Government has failed to find a way forward. Meanwhile local people are crying out for politicians to be addressing the real issues that matter to them, our schools, hospitals and police. The only for us to move on is to put the decision to the people.”