May accused of misleading MPs over Brexit deal
Government finally publishes six-page advice from attorneygeneral to cabinet
I believe that the deal we have negotiated is a good deal. I recognise that concerns have been raised, particularly around the backstop, ... I am continuing to listen to colleagues on that and considering the way forward.” Theresa May | British Prime Minister
British Prime Minister Theresa May was accused yesterday of misleading MPs over her Brexit deal as her government published legal advice likely to increase opposition to the agreement ahead of a crucial vote next week.
Scottish National Party (SNP) lawmaker Ian Blackford was twice reprimanded by the House of Commons speaker for suggesting May had misled MPs “inadvertently or otherwise”, before withdrawing the claim.
May replied that she had always been clear about the implications of the deal’s provisions on Northern Ireland, which risk keeping Britain tied to the EU’s economic rules for years after leaving next March.
But she emphasised neither side wanted this to happen, and repeated that the withdrawal agreement struck with Brussels last month was the only viable option.
“I believe that the deal we have negotiated is a good deal,” she said, adding: “I’m continuing to listen to colleagues on that and considering a way forward.”
Series of defeats
May on Tuesday suffered a series of stunning defeats in parliament, which threaten her government and ultimately could change the course of Brexit. She effectively lost her majority in the Commons after the Northern Irish party on which she relies sided with the Labour party to find her ministers in contempt of parliament for failing to publish in full the legal advice on the Brexit deal.
Meanwhile, 25 of her own Conservative MPs voted with Labour to give the Commons a bigger say in what happens if, as expected, the Brexit deal is voted down on December 11.
The government yesterday finally published the six-page advice from the attorney general to cabinet, which warns of the “legal risk” inherent in a clause intended to keep open the border with Ireland.
It confirms Britain risks remaining “indefinitely” in the so-called backstop, which could keep the whole country in an EU customs union for years after Brexit, while also keeping the province of Northern Ireland in the bloc’s single market. MPs on Tuesday also voted to approve an amendment that allows parliament to determine what happens if the deal falls.