Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris is delighted with the outcome of the EU Withdrawal Bill vote that took place in Parliament.

Mrs Harris was particularly pleased as Canvey voted so overwhelmingly in favour of leaving in the EU referendum last year, and she believes local businesses will thrive as a result.

The vote was made at around midnight on Monday evening and achieved a second reading by a majority of 36 votes, with most Labour MPs voting against it.

The legislation is an essential part of the Brexit process, repealing the 1972 Act which led Britain into the EU and incorporating existing EU law into UK domestic law.

However, unlike existing EU law, over the coming years these laws can be changed, amended and repealed as Parliament agreed.

Mrs Harris said: ““I was delighted to support the EU Repeal Bill in Parliament and was pleased that it passed its Second Reading despite the Labour Party’s attempts to derail it.

“The Bill will give certainty to local businesses and residents that there won’t be unnecessary sudden changes when we exit the EU.

“The Government is clear that it wants to back the will of the people and this Bill is a crucial step on our path to leaving the EU.”

Other MPs across south Essex were also delighted with the outcome of the EU Withdrawal Bill result.

MP for Basildon and Billericay, John Baron, said: “I am very pleased the Withdrawal Bill cleared its first stage with a healthy majority of 36, including the support of seven Labour MPs.

“This legislation is an important part of the Brexit process. Comments about the size and scope of the Bill serve to confirm how much sovereignty has been passed to Brussels over the last 40 years, and underlines why we are right to be leaving the EU.

“I will continue to support the Government in the Bill’s forthcoming stages, and would encourage all Parliamentarians to do the same.”

MP for Wickford and Rayleigh, Mark Francois, added: “This Bill, which repeals the 1972 European Communities Act, is a fundamental part of our keeping our word to the British people that we will leave the European Union, as decided by them in the referendum in June last year.

“I was glad to speak in the debate and vote for the Bill on behalf of my constituents.”

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, was also yesterday appointed as joint-chairman of the EU Withdrawal Bill.

Upon his appointment, Sir David said: “I fully recognise that the responsibility that goes with chairing this particular bill.”

“There is no doubt that much of Parliament’s time over the next months will be spent scrutinising this bill.

“I wanted constituents to know about my appointment in order for them to understand the strict parliamentary rules that when a member is asked to chair a bill they must remain neutral throughout the proceedings.

“This means I am not allowed to comment or even express an opinion on the detailed scrutiny of the bill in terms of any amendments which are laid.”