Howling mad at Brexit deal
MPs’ cries of ridicule as May’s plan faces defeat
THERESA May’s agreement on Brexit met with a tidal wave of protests from her own MPs.
The Prime Minister cleared one hurdle with acceptance from Brussels for her “political declaration”.
But dozens of Tory MPs insisted they cannot support the document, furious, not least, over its proposals with regards to fishing rights and the Northern Ireland border question.
It was also confirmed a transition arrangement could be extended to December 2022 – with Britain forced to pay “a contribution” to the EU for the additional period.
Unlike last week’s withdrawal agreement, which is legally binding, yesterday’s “declaration” is not.
Yet Mrs May still believes she can win the “meaningful vote” when it goes to the House of Commons, probably in early December.
With the DUP refusing to prop up the Government, she is already seven votes short of a majority.
Jeremy Corbyn branded the document “26 pages of waffle” and a “testament to the failure of the Tories’ bungled negotiations”.
Ex-Foreign Secretary Boris John-
son claimed the declaration “makes a complete nonsense of Brexit”.
And former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab said: “The top reason people voted to leave the EU was to take back control over our laws. Isn’t it the inescapable reality that this deal gives even more away?” Home Secretary Sajid Javid urges MPs to support the agreement but admitted the Government must do “a better job of selling it”.
Mrs May hopes to secure backing of at least 20 of the 27 remaining member states at Sunday’s summit of EU leaders in Brussels.
Isn’t it the inescapable reality that this deal gives away even more control to the EU? DOMINIC RAAB EX-BREXIT SECRETARY IN THE COMMONS