Despite our differences in political colour, Richard Harrington has proved to be a pragmatic and responsible constituency MP. It is often argued against him that he is not a local and a mere careerist but I think that he has shown great consideration to his role as a representative of Watford and not used his position purely as a means to climb the ministerial ladder. I have met with Richard numerous times and laid out why it is imperative he backs a public vote on the final Brexit deal.

Being the pragmatist he is, he understood the logic, continues to be a passionate believer in Remain and understands the dangers of a no deal. He said to me that if the PM’s deal was to fail in a vote of the house (which he was adamant would not happen), he would change course with support for a public vote being the most attractive next step to him.

Richard Harrington, it’s time to stop running down the clock. The hard right of your party, that you as much as I detest, are forcing us into a cliff-edge no deal. As a business minister yourself, you know the catastrophic financial damage that will do to our already struggling public services. I was 15 years old in June 2016 and I am now 18. It’s my future but it’s you who has the choice.

It’s time to stop backing a deal you know is dead and choose your side. Listen to the millions of young people and the thousands in your constituency who are crying out for a say on our futures. Let’s put aside party politics and hand this decision back to the British people, instead of guessing what we want.

Asking an expanded electorate, now you have the terms and conditions, do you want to sign on the dotted line is the right thing to do. Surely you wouldn’t want to make such a decision on our behalf without our consent?

Ismaeel Yaqoob

Westbury Road, Watford

This letter was sent to us before Richard Harrington's resignation as business minister.