WITNEY MP Robert Courts has expressed his disappointment with Theresa May's proposed Brexit deal - saying the UK has 'given away too much too early'. 

Mr Courts made the comments after revealing he will quit his post as Parliamentary Private Secretary in protest at the Prime Minister's Chequers plan. 

Speaking to David Prever on BBC Radio Oxford ths morning, the MP said he wanted to retain close trading links with the EU but felt Mrs May's deal was not right for the country.

He said: "I want to see an agreement. I want to see a deal. I want to see close trading links between us and the European Union but I don't think this is the way to go about doing it. I think we've given away too much too early...

"We are talking about the ECJ [European Court of Justive] continuing to have jurisdiction over British courts, we are looking at very little Parliamentary scrutiny. 

"We're looking essentially at being members of the EU in a large part but without a vote and without a say.

"I think we should ask the EU for a deal whereby we can trade and cooperate with each other as equals so that we maintain properly accountable democratic Government."

When it was put to Mr Courts that the vast majority of his own constituents had voted for remain in the referendum, the MP pointed out that his decision was not about remaining or leaving the EU.

He said: "This is about how we leave. I have to look at how we're proposing to leave and whether I'm prepared to support that."

The MP said he was not seeking a resignation from the Prime Minister.

He added: "I'm not one of those that's calling for the Prime Minister to resign. I do not want there to be a leadership challenge.

Mr Courts had taken on the role at the Foreign Office in January.

Reaction to the announcement has been varied with many of the Tory MP's 4,566 followers offering both support and derision.

Mr Courts has been approached for comment.