COLCHESTER’S MP has said he will back Theresa May’s Brexit deal as long as she “suitably” resolves the backstop issue.

The Prime Minister is seeking “alternative arrangements” to the backstop after MPs supported an amendment by Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the influential 1922 Committee.

But the EU says it will not renegotiate.

Mrs May is due to report back to Parliament on her negotiations with the EU on February 13, with a further series of votes by MPs expected the following day.

Mr Quince said should “she be successful in suitably amending the backstop” he would support the deal but he stopped short of saying what he would be willing to accept.

Mr Quince also said he would not support calls for a second referendum on Brexit saying he did not believe there was “political appetite” for it.

He said: “I understand the strength of feeling of many on the matter of a second referendum. While much is made of the 17.4 million voters that voted Leave, I have not forgotten the 16.1 million voters that voted Remain. I will continue to try to find the best compromise for Colchester as events unfold.

“I am therefore sorry to disappoint those that want a second referendum, but just as I do not think there is widespread appetite for a ‘no deal’ Brexit at one end of the spectrum, similarly I do not think there is widespread appetite for a second referendum either.

“I expect the answer to Brexit will be a compromise, and hope that this takes the form of an amended Withdrawal Agreement, which is the only course which currently receives the support of Parliament."