Abuse concerns raised

Threats of abuse will result in at least one MP not voting with their conscience on Brexit legislation for fear of reprisals, a former minister has said.

Conservative Anna Soubry, who is a Remainer and has herself been a target of abuse, raised concerns ahead of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill returning to the Commons.

Speaker John Bercow said no MP should be under threat, adding he expected the two-day debate to consider amendments made by peers and others to take place in an atmosphere of “mutual respect”.

Ahead of the debate, Ms Soubry said: “To my knowledge at least one honourable member on these benches will today and tomorrow not vote in accordance with their conscience because of threats to their safety”