Tory rebellion forces May to concede over vote on Brexit

‘No-deal’ departure from EU less likely

THERESA MAY yesterday appeared to commit to giving MPs more power over Brexit in a major last-minute concession to Conservative Remainer rebels who threatened to defeat her in Parliament.

In a move which appeared to make a “no-deal” withdrawal much less likely, the rebels were offered “structured” talks with Ministers to see how their demands could be met for MPs to be given a more “meaningful” vote on Brexit.

It followed a dramatic day during which Justice Minister Philip Lee resigned live on stage during a speech in London to join the rebellion on the backbenches, complaining about the Government’s “irresponsible” approach to Brexit and throwing into disarray the Prime Minister’s strategy of facing down Tory Remainers in a crunch vote on the EU (Withdrawal) Bill.

The rebellion was centred around attempts by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve to create a “proper structure” to govern what happens if MPs in the autumn reject the final withdrawal agreement Britain reaches with the EU, in order to avoid a chaotic “no-deal” Brexit.

With just minutes remaining in a tense House of Commons debate, Solicitor General Robert Buckland indicated the Government could accept major aspects of Mr Grieve’s demands when the Bill returns to the Lords on Monday.

The Yorkshire Post understands that Downing Street feels it has only offered to open talks with Mr Grieve and the rebels.

But Mr Grieve told Sky News : “I am quite satisfied we are going to get a meaningful vote.”

The Department for Exiting the European Union said the Government had “agreed to look for a compromise”.

A spokesman said: “On the meaningful vote we have agreed to look for a compromise when this goes back to the Lords.”

If confirmed, the move represents a dramatic climbdown from Mrs May’s original plan to offer MPs a “take-it-or-leave it” vote to accept the withdrawal agreement or leave the EU without a deal.

The concession came after intensive horse-trading on the floor of the Commons, with Chief Whip Julian Smith shuttling between Tory backbenchers during debate on Lords amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill.

It is believed 15-20 pro-EU Tories have received assurances in a face-to-face discussion with the Prime Minister in her Commons office ahead of the vote.

Remainer Stephen Hammond told BBC Radio 4’s PM programme: “We have spoken in a room with the Prime Minister this afternoon, 10 minutes before the first round of voting.

“I absolutely trust what the Prime Minister says to us.”

Dr Lee revealed he ultimately abstained in the key vote.

He tweeted: “Delighted that the Government has agreed to introduce an amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill which will give Parliament the voice I always wanted it to have in the Brexit process.

“This justifies my decision to resign and makes it a lot less painful.” The Bracknell MP added: “The Prime Minister has given her word. I trust her and so I will abstain.”

Earlier, Dr Lee said there was growing evidence that the Government’s Brexit policy is “detrimental to the people we were elected to serve”.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said MPs will be “enraged” if the concession is watered down and said Labour would ensure Ministers live up to their promises.

I am quite satisfied we are going to get a meaningful vote.

Tory rebel ringleader and former Attorney General Dominic Grieve.