As MPs are preparing to vote on whether to back Theresa May's deal for leaving the European Union – a Member of the European Parliament has had her say on the so-called "meaningful vote".

Taking place five days after debate on Brexit, Mrs May has called for politicians to back her deal or risk "letting the British people down".

Alex Mayer the Labour MEP for East of England has released a statement calling for an end to “perilous brinkmanship”.

Ms Mayer said:

“We could have done this a month ago if May hadn’t decided to irresponsibly waste time and kick the can down the road.

“So, let’s have the vote to prove once and for all May’s deal does not have support and move on.

“This deal is a disaster. No deal is a catastrophe. Personally, I think there is a much better deal, which is the one we already have.

“If May’s deal is rejected tonight, she should revoke Article 50 to give us some breathing space. This perilous brinkmanship cannot be allowed to continue. Britain’s future is too important for that.”

Voting will start at about 7.00pm, starting with votes on three or four backbench amendments that could reshape the deal and then the vote on the withdrawal agreement itself.