Davis promises votes on Brexit measures
Cabinet minister bows to MPS threatening rebellion over ‘dangerous’ powers in new legislation
DAVID DAVIS is prepared to back down in the face of a rebellion by pro-european Tory MPS and ensure that there are votes on the most controversial aspects of Brexit, The Daily Telegraph has learnt. Pro-european Tories have threatened to join Labour, Liberal Democrats and the SNP in a rebellion over the Government’s use of “Henry VIII powers” in the EU (Withdrawal) Bill.
They have raised concerns that the Bill, which transfers EU laws and regulations on to the UK’S statute books, could give ministers “dangerous” powers to change and amend legislation without a vote in Parliament.
Mr Davis, the Brexit Secretary, reassured Tory MPS in the Commons that he will look at “mechanisms” to ensure that there is a “fully democratic and open process”. The Telegraph understands that ministers are likely to recommend that a joint committee of peers and MPS is established to assess which amendments need more scrutiny by Parliament.
It comes ahead of a pivotal vote in the Commons on Monday with the second reading of the Brexit Bill. Labour has vowed to oppose it, but pro-european Tory MPS have said they will support it for now but could rebel in October.
A minister told The Telegraph that pro-european MPS are “grandstanding” in public but more willing to work with the Government in private. It came as Mrs May said that she will not sack two Eurosceptic ministers over a letter signed by more than 30 Tory MPS urging the Prime Minister not to give ground over Brexit.
Nicky Morgan, the chairman of the Treasury select committee, suggested that Downing Street should look into the roles of Steve Baker, a Brexit minister, and Suella Fernandes, an aide to the Chancellor. Both were accused of helping to orchestrate the letter, but Downing Street said that no action will be taken against them. Andrew Rosindell, the Eurosceptic Tory MP for Romford, said: “This is naked opportunism from by the diminishing pro-eu lobby who will find any excuse to try and get Brexiters out of a position of authority. A number of us MPS won’t stand for it.”
It came as Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, said that he has “rock solid confidence” that Britain will be able to agree a Brexit trade deal before it leaves the EU. Mr Johnson also said that it is not “beyond the wit of man” to resolve the issue of the Irish border after Brexit.
Talks with Brussels are currently in deadlock amid acrimony. Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament’s chief Brexit negotiator, said that leaked Home Office plans for a crackdown on EU migration after Brexit had “poisoned the diplomatic well”.
The Government was yesterday accused of an “unprecedented attempt to rig Parliament” by stacking key committees which scrutinise legislation with Tories.
Downing Street said: “The adjustments provide for maximum scrutiny with minimum disruption and delay, both to parliamentary proceedings and to the governance of the country.”