Resignation complicates May’s Brexit strategy

Stephen Phillips quits, citing policy differences which threatens plans

Theresa May was rocked by the resignation of a pro-Brexit Conservative MP over “irreconcilable policy differences” as she attempted to reassure European leaders that Britain’s withdrawal from the EU remained on track.

Stephen Phillips announced he was quitting shortly after the Prime Minister called European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to stress her Brexit timetable remained unchanged – despite a High Court ruling that threatened to throw her plans into turmoil.

The judges’ decision that Mrs May must get parliamentary approval before triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to formally launch Brexit, which she has promised to do by April, prompted calls for an emergency general election to settle the question.

Mr Phillips’ resignation as MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham appeared to heap yet more pressure on the PM, although a No 10 source insisted Mrs May stood by her statement that there should not be a general election before 2020.

As he announced his resignation, Downing Street was briefing details on Mrs May’s talks with Mr Juncker and Mrs Merkel, and her reaction to the High Court ruling.

A No 10 spokesman said the Government did not accept the court’s judgment and was “confident” of victory in an appeal to the Supreme Court.

He said Mrs May explained to Mr Juncker and Mrs Merkel that “while the Government is disappointed by the judgment yesterday, we remain of the firm belief that we have strong legal arguments ahead of the case which will be moving to the Supreme Court next month”.

“The Prime Minister also confirmed that the planned timetable for notification of Article 50 remains the same,” the spokesman added.

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she is studying the High Court judgment and “actively considering” whether there is a case for the Scottish Government to participate in the Supreme Court case.

Welsh Consul General Mick Antoniw said he would be seeking permission to take part to call for the Welsh Assembly to have a say on Brexit.

MP Stephen Phillips is standing down.