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Brexit news: If PM's deal is not passed in Commons then next step may have to be put to MPs' vote, says Liam Fox

Trade Secretary Liam Fox has said that if Theresa May's Brexit deal is not passed by MPs, then Parliament might have to decide what to do next.

The senior Brexiteer said that the Prime Minister's deal was unlikely to pass through the Commons unless the backstop issue is resolved, but he said that one option could be a "free vote" for MPs.

Another option being widely suggested is a second referendum, but Dr Fox told the Andrew Marr Show that this would not "heal division".

He added that there was a "constitutional issue" with holding another vote on Brexit.

He said: "How do we tell Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP that they can't have another referendum on independence because they didn't like the vote, when the remainers want another on Europe because they didn't like the result of the vote."

Dr Fox also said that another referendum could result in a narrow Remain win on a lower turnout, in which case, "People like me will be immediately demanding that it's best of three - where does that end up?"

The trade secretary appeared on the BBC programme following a week of political turmoil in Westminster.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox appeared on the BBC's Andrew Marr show on Sunday (BBC)
International Trade Secretary Liam Fox appeared on the BBC's Andrew Marr show on Sunday (BBC)

After announcing a delay to a so-called "meaningful vote" on Brexit, Mrs May travelled to a crunch EU summit to seek assurances on her controversial Brexit deal.

But the PM came home empty-handed from Brussels as EU leaders suggested there could be no further negotiation on the deal.

Dr Fox said it will take some time before the PM reaches a new conclusion with the EU.

He said: "The prime minister is giving an update tomorrow, she will be talking to the Cabinet on Tuesday, it is very clear that the EU understand what the problem is.

"And it's a question now, without unpicking the whole of the withdrawal agreement, can we find a mechanism of operating the backstop in a way that actually removes those anxieties.

"It will happen over Christmas, it's not going to happen this week, it's not going to be quick, it will happen some time in the New Year."

Elsewhere on the programme, Dr Fox appeared to rule himself out of taking part in a leadership contest to replace the PM.

Asked if he would stand again after taking part in the last two contests, he said: "I think twice is enough for anyone."