Thank you to everyone who took part in my latest Brexit survey, it was open to all across Tooting and over a thousand people shared their views.

Throughout the nightmare that has been Brexit, I have continually sought the views of local people before casting votes in Parliament - this time is no different. Together, we voted against triggering Article 50, fought Theresa May's deal, supported a confirmatory referendum, pushed to remain and we even navigated the indicative Parliamentary votes as a collective.

As the local MP, I would not be doing my job if I did not listen to local people. Sometimes we'll agree, sometimes we'll disagree - but as I believe Brexit is one of the most important issues of our time - I have always wanted to go into the voting lobby armed with Tooting's viewpoint.

This time, local people across Tooting overwhelmingly, but reluctantly, want me to vote for this deal. Two-thirds of people who filled in the survey want me to vote for the deal, with just under a third wanting me to abstain and a small number voting against. I agree; it's not my first, second or third preference, but it's now a necessary step to take. 

I am the daughter of a European immigrant. I am a remainer; I was the first Labour frontbencher to back a People's Vote and one of the only frontbenchers to break the whip in voting against Article 50. However, the remain ship has sailed, the political football field has dramatically changed and we must accept that we're not even on the pitch. 

We need to avoid an internal battle about 'rejoining'. The coming months and years are going to be full of crucial decisions - decisions that cement the future of our relationship with the EU. A future Labour Government should be proudly pro-European without getting into a divisive debate about rejoining. 

When I vote for the deal today, I'll be doing it knowing that it is not the best outcome for the UK, but it's the best outcome we could possibly get at this late stage, with No Deal being the only other option. In voting for the deal, I am following the wishes of local people, but I am also choosing the best of two options, as I believe No Deal would be a horrific outcome for the UK. 95% of people who took part in the survey prefer this deal to No Deal.

Let's be brutally honest - this is Boris Johnson's Brexit. My Labour colleagues and I are voting for it to avert a No Deal Brexit. The idea that Labour become Brexit enablers is simply not accurate. Labour gives people the best and most realistic option as a party that will seek to form a close relationship with the EU. I fully appreciate that many will be upset that we are finally leaving - but it's happening and we are powerless to stop it.

Finally, and I expect that very few people will read this far but I wanted to say it, Brexit has caused hatred and division on levels I could have never imagined. The aggression and personal attacks driven by the strong feelings on either side has torn the fabric of our communities apart. It's time to start speaking to each other with respect, it's time to understand our reasoning behind the depth of feeling. We must work together to heal the scars left by this awful chapter in our history.