Channel 4 Brexit Debate: Jacob Rees-Mogg lays into Theresa May's Brexit deal saying ‘it does not do what she said’

Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg has laid into the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal as he says it “does not do as she said”, while facing cross-party politicians for a live debate.

Mr Rees-Mogg appeared on Channel 4’s Real Brexit Debate alongside a panel of politicians including Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, Conservative party deputy chairman James Cleverly MP and Labour MP Barry Gardiner.

The four put forward opening statements to a live audience, with Ms Lucas arguing in favour for a People’s Vote and Mr Rees-Mogg backing a no-deal Brexit.

Tory deputy chairman James Cleverly said: "Our deal delivers on what people voted for. It takes back control of our money, our borders, our laws.

"It means we can get on with Brexit and give more time to focus on other important issues like the NHS."

He added: "The only thing we know for sure is that rejecting this deal means damaging uncertainty and, as a Brexiteer, the thing that worries me the most is the risk we do not leave the EU at all."

But Mr Rees-Mogg said the deal "does not do what the Prime Minister said" on the customs union, the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice and a border between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

"There are 68 pages of laws that will apply in Northern Ireland that will be adjudicated and made by the European Union," he said.

Mr Cleverly said "all those instances are entirely temporary" during the transition period or backstop but Mr Rees-Mogg shot back, saying the Attorney General's advice showed "the backstop could be permanent".

Green MP Caroline Lucas, calling for a second referendum, said politicians were split and the public had changed their minds on Brexit.

She said: "Why don't we just go back and check they are still happy with this?"

Ms Lucas put forward that younger people would be more betrayed than anyone else.

She added: “One thing that is already clear by tonight is that this decision cannot be left to the politicians. We simply can’t agree.

“This not a parlour game or debating society. These are real people with real lives”

To the sound of applause, she said: “Don’t leave it to the Westminster elite to decide for you.”

Jacob Rees-Mogg told the Channel 4 programme a second referendum would be a "losers' vote".

"This is all about trust," he said. "Across Europe politicians are distrusted - there are riots in France and troubles in Italy.

"Everybody agreed to accept the result of the referendum. Now Theresa May has said one thing and come back with a deal that does another."

Labour's shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner said the Government had failed and should call an election if the deal is defeated on Tuesday.

"Their botched deal would destroy jobs, it would undermine rights and protections and it would rip our country in half," he said.

He added Theresa May’s deal would “rip the country in half” and satisfy nobody.

Tory deputy chairman James Cleverly said: "No one really knows what the Labour Party want at all."

He added: "On March 29 we get to leave, let's just take the deal and get out."