Knifing May ‘will not help Brexit’

BRITISH Prime Minister Theresa May is determined to stare down her many critics, telling her in-party rivals that kicking her out of Downing Street won’t make delivering Brexit any easier.

The Prime Minister will try to get on the front foot in the Conservative Brexit war by saying her agreement will create greater opportunities for young people wanting skilled jobs. But she risks a fresh Cabinet row by rejecting a demand from Euro-sceptic ministers to make last-minute changes to the withdrawal agreement.

After a tumultuous week in which the draft divorce deal agreed between London and the EU was widely slammed, Ms May (pictured) said the proposed accord would only be signed off if the future relationship deal was satisfactory, describing the next seven days as “critical”.

And while Brexiteers in her Conservative Party want her replaced, she said they did not have the numbers to trigger a no-confidence motion.

“I will be going back to Brussels,” Ms May told Sky News, adding she would meet European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

“The focus this week will be on the future relationship. We won’t agree the leaving part … until we’ve got what we want in the future relationship, because these two go together.”

Ms May could face a noconfidence vote if at least 15 per cent of Tory politicians – 48 MPs – submit letters saying she has lost their support. More than 20 have publicly said they have done so.

Asked if the 48 figure had been reached, Ms May said: “As far as I know, no it has not. We’re not going to be distracted. A change of leadership at this point isn’t going to make the negotiations any easier and it’s not going to change the parliamentary arithmetic.”

And there are fears that if no deal is struck within a fortnight, the humble Mars bar – a British favourite – could disappear from shop shelves.

The Food and Drink Federation said the prices of all confectionery imports would increase dramatically under “no deal”. Experts said two of the key ingredients would go off within days if delayed at the ports.

Officials believe the disruption to food imports and exports could last for more than six months.

Earlier this year Cadbury said it was stockpiling in case Britain crashes out of the EU.