Desperate May plea to revolting Tory MPs over Brexit Don’t bring me down
Did you win?
THERESA May today appeals to wavering Tory MPs not to bring her down over Brexit.
The PM is worried Remainers on her backbenches might side with Labour to oppose the Repeal Bill which will transfer EU law into UK law the day we leave Europe.
If she lost the crucial legislation the Government could fall.
The Bill faces a Labour assault in Parliament on Thursday. Mrs May said: “It’s the most important step we can take to prevent a cliff edge for people and businesses, because it transfers laws and provides legal continuity. It is time for Parliament to play its part to grasp the great prize ahead of us.
“That contribution must fit with our shared aim - to help Britain make a success of Brexit.”
Labour wants massive changes to legislation it says is undemocratic and unacceptable as it stands.
They want it to allow the UK to stay in the single market, customs union and European Court of Justice during a transition period. They urge Tory Remainers to join them. With Mrs May’s majority so slim, a Tory revolt could be fatal.
Labour also wants provision for EU measures on worker rights and consumer protection to be adopted even after Brexit.
Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: “As drafted, the Bill would sideline Parliament on key decisions, hoard unnecessary powers in Whitehall and fail to guarantee crucial rights.”
“Henry VIII” powers letting ministers change UK law without a vote in Parliament are a big concern.