Conservative MP for Dartford, Gareth Johnson, has resigned as a Government whip in opposition to Theresa May's Brexit Deal.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Johnson outlined that he cannot support Mrs May's proposed deal as it would be "detrimental to our nation's interests."

He also noted the "backstop" on Northern Ireland contained in the agreement, stating that it gives "no clear, unilateral path out of the European Union" and that it will inhibit the country's ability to negotiate future trade deals with other nations.

"Along with nearly two thirds of my constituents and a majority of the country, I supported 'leave' in the referendum as I wanted the UK to take back the sovereignty we had lost during our membership of the European Union.

"Unfortunately, this agreement prevents us taking back control and instead could leave us perpetually constrained by the European Union," he wrote in his letter.

He added: "We need to rediscover our confidence and belief in our country's ability to stand tall in the world without the European Union overseeing and managing our future."