Sir Michael Fallon has become the latest MPs to question the government's proposed Brexit deal saying that it is a huge gamble.

The former defence secretary's intervention is considered significant as he has previously been regarded as a party loyalist and staunch defender of the government.

Sevenoaks MP praised the Prime Minister for doing what she could to get a good deal as he expressed his reservations during yesterday's debate in Parliament.

He said: “Nobody can doubt the Prime Minister has tried her very best. Are we not nonetheless being asked to take a huge gamble here?

“Paying, leaving, surrendering our vote and our veto without any firm commitment to frictionless trade, or the absolute right to dismantle external tariffs?

“Is it really wise to trust the future of our economy to a pledge simply to use best endeavours?”

Mrs May replied: “The position in relation to the nature of the political declaration is exactly what I set out in response to the question from the chairman of the EU exit select committee - which is that it is not possible for us to sign that legal treaty, in terms of a free trade agreement with the European Union, until we are outside the European Union.”

Sir Michael was joined in his opposition last night by Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch, who announced on Facebook she could not support the deal.

She said: "Having read through the draft Withdrawal Agreement and supporting documents and spending time talking to constituents I have come to the conclusion that I cannot support the deal being proposed by the Prime Minister.

"I do not believe it delivers the Brexit that Chatham & Aylesford voted for but also removes any certainty for our local businesses who trade with Europe.

"Around 65% of the constituency voted to leave but under this deal we will remain subject to the many rules and demands of European Union membership.

"The lack of clarity around transition and backstop arrangements risks continued EU power over our future and this is not what people voted for."

Meanwhile the Business Secretary Greg Clark, the Tunbridge Wells MP, said the deal will give the business community certainty over the future of the UK outside the European Union.

“Businesses have been clear that they want to see an agreement rather than risk the disruption of 'no deal' - and that an agreement should provide for a transition period and to be able to continue to trade without impediment from the EU.”

The county’s MPs are split over the issue and none of those who had said they opposed the deal before the declaration made at the weekend have changed their minds.

As things stand there are just two MPs in Kent who have yet to publicly say where they stand on the deal.

Tom Tugendhat, the Tonbridge and Malling MP, is continuing to take soundings from his constituency.

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson is yet to indicate his position.

Mr Johnson, writing in a column for the Dartford Messenger, said he wanted to see what would be meant by a meaningful vote before deciding.

He said: “It remains unclear if the choice will be a binary one between the ‘deal’ agreed by Theresa May and ‘no deal’ but I suspect it could be far more complex than that.

"Either way, I have always maintained that whilst a deal was always preferable, we should not fear a ‘no deal’ scenario.

"I do not though want this vote to be used as an opportunity by some to force another general election on the country or to stop Brexit.”