Beware the bribes of Brexit

PM warned not to offer deals and sweeteners to rebel MPs ahead of vital vote

Theresa May must not bully and bribe MPs in a bid to drive her Brexit blueprint through the Commons in nine days’ time, opponents warned yesterday.

The SNP claimed the Prime Minister would become increasingly desperate to swing wavering MPs behind her plan before the crucial vote on December 11. She is said to be up to 100 votes short and has been accused of planning concessions and sweeteners to secure support.

The SNP’s Brexit spokesman at Westminster, Peter Grant, said his colleagues would be vigilant in the days ahead.

He accused May of “offering grubby inducements to MPs in an attempt to persuade them to vote for something they would never otherwise have supported”.

He added: “The Prime Minister’s time would be better spent listening to the growing opposition rather than peddling a false choice between her flawed deal and a no-deal.”

Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP are ready to vote against the motion and the Democratic Unionists have said they cannot support it as it stands.

May has a working majority of just 13, and only seven Tory rebels are needed to defeat it.

Around 90 Tory MPs have indicated they will vote against the deal.

Last week May was accused of panicking after her deputy tried in vain to offer a last-minute concession to the