Downing Street is now “confident” that a maximum of 20 Tory MPs could rebel against Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal if he faces a crunch vote in the House of Commons next week, it has been claimed.
According to TalkTV, No10 has decided to hold the Windsor Framework vote on Wednesday because it has concluded that there will be no major rebellion.
When asked if the number 20 sounded right, Tory MP Alec Shelbrooke told the broadcaster: “I think they’re about right. I think there’s a hardcore that doesn’t accept compromise at all, but then there’s no escaping the fact you want to honor the Good Friday Agreement.
“I think the Prime Minister has done an excellent job with this agreement. I think a lot of people didn’t expect that we would get there.”
He added: “The public wants this to be over, Parliament wants this to be over. I think there are a few Japanese soldiers who don’t believe the war is over, but I think there are very, very few now.”
The European Research Group of Tory Brexiteers is yet to give its final verdict on the Prime Minister’s deal, which aims to resolve post-Brexit border settlement issues in Northern Ireland.
You can follow the latest updates below.
8:41 a.m
He runs! Boris Johnson re-elected Tory candidate in his Uxbridge constituency
Boris Johnson has been re-elected as the Conservative Party candidate in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency, ending speculation that he may seek a safer seat elsewhere for the next general election.
“I can confirm that Boris Johnson has been re-elected as the Conservative candidate in Uxbridge and South Ruislip,” a spokesman said last night.
The former prime minister holds a majority of more than 7,000 votes in the seat but is seen as a prime target for Labor in the next election.
Allies of Mr Johnson had always rejected any suggestion he might seek a new or safer seat, despite ongoing speculation.
8:36 a.m
Dominic Raab: Officers ‘breaking the rules’ of bullying inquiry by speaking to media
Dominic Raab claimed officers who speak to the media about allegations of bullying against him are “breaking the rules” of the ongoing investigation into his conduct.
Fresh allegations were leveled against Mr Raab yesterday, when officers working with him claimed to Sky News he had repeatedly brought staff to tears and “ruined people’s lives” through “coercive behaviour”.
Mr Raab told the broadcaster this morning: “As you will know from previous questions put to me, I have said I will fully cooperate with the investigation. I will not comment on anonymous sources in the media.
“In fact, it’s a violation of the rules of inquiry for someone to do this, and of course I want to respect that.”
Asked if he acknowledged the recent allegations against him, the Justice Secretary said: “It is actually inappropriate that I should comment on the question you just asked. It’s a violation of the rules of investigation.
“Anyone involved in the investigation who makes comments to the media, anonymously or otherwise, is breaking the rules and, for reasons of basic professional integrity, I will not do so.”
An investigation into the bullying allegations, led by Adam Tolley KC, is ongoing, although there is speculation the findings could be made public soon.
8:18 a.m
Tory MP compares Brexit rebels to ‘Japanese soldiers who don’t believe the war is over’
Alec Shelbrooke, a Tory MP, compared Conservative colleagues who may be considering voting against Rishi Sunak’s new Brexit deal to “Japanese soldiers” who don’t believe “the war is over”.
He told Talk TV: “The public wants it to be over, Parliament wants it to be over. I think there are a few Japanese soldiers who don’t believe the war is over, but I think there are very, very few now.”
The European Research Group of Tory Brexiteers is yet to give its final verdict on the Prime Minister’s Windsor Framework, which aims to resolve post-Brexit border settlement issues in Northern Ireland.
8:14 a.m
The “confident” Brexit revolt in Downing Street will be limited to a maximum of 20 Tory MPs
Downing Street is now “confident” that a maximum of 20 Tory MPs could rebel against Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal if he faces a crunch vote in the House of Commons next week, it has been claimed.
According to TalkTV, No10 has decided to hold the Windsor Framework vote on Wednesday because it has concluded that there will be no major rebellion.
When asked if the number 20 sounded right, Tory MP Alec Shelbrooke told the broadcaster: “I think they’re about right. I think there’s a hardcore that doesn’t accept compromise at all, but then there’s no escaping the fact you want to honor the Good Friday Agreement.
“I think the Prime Minister has done an excellent job with this agreement. I think a lot of people didn’t expect that we would get there.”
Source : news.yahoo.com