RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has called for 'legal clarity' on the Northern Ireland backstop in the government's controversial Brexit deal with the European Union.

He tackled Environment Secretary Michael Gove on the issue in the House of Commons as it debated the departure agreement before tomorrow's/tonight's (TUESDAY) vote

Mr Evans said: "I cannot wait to leave the European Union on March 29, but I have deep concerns about the backstop in the withdrawal agreement.

"If we do not ​want to use the backstop and if, in the event that we do use it, it will be only temporary, why does he believe the European Union is reluctant to give the legal clarity that we and the Democratic Unionist party are looking for?"

Mr Gove replied: "I think the European Union and its institutions will provide more clarity, but let me try to provide an additional element of clarity.

"The backstop is uncomfortable.

"However, it is important to recognise that the European Union originally wanted a Northern Ireland-only backstop. The Prime Minister pushed back against that. We now have a UK-wide backstop.

"Critically that creates difficulties for other European nations.

"It will be the case that entering the backstop will be seen by European politicians as a consummation devoutly not to be wished.

"That is why I am so confident that we will be able to secure an agreement, pursuing the principles of the withdrawal agreement, that will ensure that we have the free trade that we want and the control that the British ask of us."