THE MP for North West Hampshire who campaigned to leave the European Union has said it would be ‘inappropriate’ for him to sign a letter calling to rule out a no-deal Brexit.

More than 200 MPs have signed a letter to prime minister Theresa May urging her to to rule out leaving the EU without a deal.

But Kit Malthouse, housing minister and the region's MP, has refused to back the memo.

Instead he has thrown his weight behind the PM’s negotiations.

Mr Malthouse told the Advertiser: “As a minister it would not be appropriate for me to sign the letter.

“Regardless, ruling out a ’no-deal’ Brexit at the last minute would hinder us in these difficult and complex negotiations.

“While we are striving to work towards a deal with our European friends, no options should be taken off the table and the government has a duty to prepare for all eventualities.”

Last month, Mr Malthouse said that he would be voting in favour of the negotiated agreement struck with the 27-member states when MPs are due to cast their ballots.