Theresa May is reported to be planning a weekend trip to Brussels to sign off on a revised Brexit deal as hardline Brexiteers demand she order her MPs to vote in favour of keeping no-deal as an option in negotiations.
Eurosceptics are said to believe that MPs will still reject any deal and want her to whip them to back moves to allow the UK to crash out to keep pressure on Brussels, despite the risk it could spark a Remainer walkout from her Government.
And they have warned her not to ‘bounce’ them into a deal, demanding two days to study any deal thoroughly before the vote takes place.
The meaningful vote, expected on March 12, will be followed, most likely the following day, by a separate vote on whether to keep a no-deal Brexit as an ‘option’.
Theresa May’s legal chief, Attorney General Geoffrey, Cox arriving at 10 Downing Street for the weekly Cabinet meeting today. He is due to head to Brussels this afternoon for more talks with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier
Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay is due to accompany Mr Cox to Brussels amid reports she may head to the belgian capital herself to sign off on a revised Brexit deal ahead of next week’s series of votes
Theresa May’s legal chief, Attorney General Geoffrey, Cox is due to head to Brussels this afternoon with Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay for more talks with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier.
Brexiteers argue that keeping that disruptive and potentially damaging option on the table is vital to ensure she can get the best possible deal with the European Union.
But more moderate MPs have warned that they would act to stop a no-deal Brexit, with Ministers threatening to resign to prevent it from happening.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the chairman of the European Research Group of Tory MPs, told the Telegraph: ‘The Government must whip for Government policy and manifesto commitments. No deal is specifically referred to in the manifesto.’