‘Mutineers’ hit back at labelling

The Daily Telegraph ran a provocative front page with large photos of 15 rebels

Lawmakers from British Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative party reacted angrily yesterday after a newspaper labelled them “mutineers” for challenging the government’s Brexit legislation, saying they would only fight harder.

After a heated start to the House of Commons debate Tuesday of a landmark bill ending Britain’s membership of the European Union, the Conservative-backing Daily Telegraph ran a provocative front page with large photos of 15 rebels.

“The Brexit mutineers — Remain-supporting Conservatives rebel against May’s move to enshrine in law the date Britain leaves EU,” yesterday’s headline read, referring to those who voted to stay in the EU in last year’s referendum.

The targets of the piece accused the paper of “bullying”, while a government minister distanced himself from what he said was an attempt to “divide” the party.

“If fighting for the best possible future for our country and our government is considered mutiny — then bring it on,” tweeted one MP, Heidi Allen.

Another, Anna Soubry, said it was a “blatant piece of bullying” and insisted none of those named wanted to delay or thwart Brexit.

“We just want a good Brexit that works for everybody in our country,” she said.

However, she added that she took being named as a “badge of honour”, adding on Twitter that “a number of Tory MPs (are) outraged they’ve been left off!”

“The role of MPs is not to be lobby fodder but to scrutinise legislation,” tweeted Antoinette Sandbach, referring to the lobby areas in which lawmakers vote.