Cheryl Gillan defended the EU Withdrawal Bill ahead of a crucial vote on its future in Parliament yesterday, saying it is not a “power grab” but a “pragmatic approach to ensure no unnecessary disadvantages for our businesses”.

The Chesham and Amersham MP spoke ahead of the Commons vote on the bill – which is designed to transfer European law into British law – which saw it pass its second reading by 326 votes to 290 on September 11.

Opponents have warned that the bill amounts to an "unprecedented power grab" by ministers, however Mrs Gillan said it will provide businesses with more certainty.

Rallying support for the bill, she said: “Rather than a power grab as this has been painted, I see it as a pragmatic approach to ensuring no unnecessary complex disadvantages further burden businesses.

“Our businesses and organisations will not thrive with ongoing uncertainty and this bill increases the progress being made to provide the stability and certainty they require for a smooth transition and continuity of business post Brexit.”

She added: “Unless you are trying to rerun the referendum or create chaos in the process, voting against it should not be an option.”

Despite Mrs Gillan’s support for Brexit, her constituency voted to remain in the EU at the historic referendum on June 23 last year.