Gag on MPs speaking out in EU debate to be lifted

A GAG on Eurosceptic ministers speaking their mind about the EU deal could be lifted by the end of this week.

The Prime Minister is thought to be ready to cave into pressure and allow ministers their say.

A Downing Street source said: “If Friday’s European Council in Brussels finishes in time, the PM will hold a Cabinet that afternoon.”

Mr Cameron is hoping his proposed EU deal will be agreed by European leaders at the summit, which starts on Thursday.

It is seen as the moment campaigning for the EU referendum – expected on June 23 – officially begins.

The Cabinet meeting is set to agree the Government’s position in the referendum, marking the moment Cabinet dissenters can make their views public with “collective responsibility” suspended.

Warned

Mr Cameron wanted the meeting next Monday. But Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, warned: “If it were to appear that David Cameron was seeking to have the whole weekend to himself to put one side of the argument, that would look bad for the Remain campaign.”

The PM gave in to rebels shortly before meeting Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, a leading Cabinet “outer”.

Others include Chris Grayling, Theresa Villiers, John Whittingdale and Priti Patel. Key figures including Tory London Mayor Boris Johnson and Justice Secretary Michael Gove are thought to be still wavering. Attorney General Jeremy Wright was said to be “50- 50”.

Asked about a Cabinet meeting on Friday night or Saturday, the PM’s spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister can hold a Cabinet meeting whenever he wants.”