Brexit plotters will lead us into the wilderness

THOSE Tory MPs once again plotting the downfall of the Prime Minister should be very careful what they wish for. They – and we – have been lucky so far that none of their schemes has succeeded. But what if they did?

All opinion polls show that the public is losing patience with the political class and its failure to get on with implementing the EU referendum result.

And they are i n the right. Faced with the most momentous change in our politics and economics for many decades, far too many politicians have preferred to squabble among themselves in faction fights.

Now, in muttered phone calls from holiday poolside loungers, some of our leaders, including some very senior figures, are continuing to treat this crisis as if it were a game in which they might win reputation or future office.

The British people will not lightly or quickly forgive any party or person who makes a mess of Brexit.

Those who think that they can snipe at Theresa May’s Chequers plan have no alternative of their own, only a wilderness of chaos as we crash out of the EU with nothing agreed.

To play political games of personal ambition, in such circumstances, is unbelievably irresponsible, and the only likely outcome of it is a Labour government led by Jeremy Corbyn, elected on a wave of exasperation. Even now, this is a real danger.

Those who court that danger should also note that one of the most prominent and fervent Brexiteers, Michael Gove, has continued to stand by the promise to back the Premier which he made at Chequers, to the shame of those who pretended to support her and then broke away.

Mrs May’s devotion to duty, personal modesty, patience and extreme good manners have helped her survive in circumstances which would long ago have driven most of her colleagues to resign. She has the only plan there is, and it is reaping dividends, as the EU’s negotiators at last show signs of bending on free movement.

Her reward is to be plotted against. Those who take part in these heedless games should ask themselves whether they can get a majority in Parliament or in the country for what they want, and whether they are in fact tough enough to cope with the unending strain which the Prime Minister has so doggedly faced.

Above all, they should remember that it is the future of this country, not their political ambitions, which they should be putting first.