Brexit will begin with a ‘whimper’
A CONSERVATIVE MP has resigned from his Government post over an amendment he tabled on citizens’ rights, despite a Cabinet minister saying the Government supported it, while one MP stated that Brexit will begin with “a whimper, not a bang”.
Downing Street announced that Alberto Costa quit his unpaid role as parliamentary private secretary in the Scotland Office yesterday, after tabling the amendment the previous evening.
A senior Number 10 source said that Prime Minister Theresa May does not oppose the South Leicestershire MP’s proposals, but that it was the convention that members of the administration should not table amendments to Government motions.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said that the Government supported Mr Costa’s call for a treaty with the EU to guarantee citizens’ rights after Brexit ahead of last night’s vote.
Mr Javid appeared to be caught by surprise when he was told that his backing for the move was not shared by Mrs May.
The PM’s spokesman later stressed that Mrs May had not voiced opposition to the aims of Mr Costa’s amendment, but had cautioned that the EU did not believe it had the authority to seal such a treaty.
“The Prime Minister never said that she would oppose it,” said the spokesman. “What the Prime Minister has pointed out was the challenges on the EU side.”
Meanwhile, an MP has said no official ceremonies are planned for exit day.
No street parties, EU flag-lowering ceremonies or bongs from Big Ben have been planned, the Government has confirmed to the SNP’s Patrick Grady.
The news came after Theresa May abandoned her refusal to countenance any delay to Brexit with confirmation that she will hold a vote for a “short” extension if votes on her deal and no-deal fail.
Despite the Prime Minister’s claim of healing the divisions caused by the EU referendum, Mr Grady said the only people likely to be celebrating on departure day were European Reform Group (ERG) members, the arch-Brexiteers led by Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.
“It seems if Brexit does actually happen on March 29 this year, it will be a with a whimper, not a bang,” said Mr Grady.
“There will be very little to celebrate when or if Brexit day finally arrives, but the news that there are no flag-lowering or any other official ceremonies planned will perhaps disappoint Brexiteers who are convinced a glorious new era of splendid isolation awaits the UK.
“There may be some champagne supped by elite members of the ERG, but I doubt there will be parties or rejoicing on the streets across the UK if the country crashes out with no-deal, or even a version of the woeful deal negotiated by the PM.”
Responding to a series of parliamentary questions, culture minister Michael Ellis ruled out funding for communities to hold Brexit festivals, street parties or other events.