Fresh blow for Theresa May as minister quits over Brexit delay 'humiliation'
4 min read
A government minister has quit over Theresa May's decision to open the door to a Brexit delay - warning her it could lead to "the final humiliation of our country".
In yet another blow for the Prime Minister, George Eustice said he wanted to be free to argue against the possibility that the Article 50 process could be extended.
The fisheries minister said he will vote for whatever deal Mrs May brings back from Brussels ahead of the next meaningful vote, which is due to take place by 12 March.
But he insisted that the UK's chances of securing an agreement would be undermined "unless we are prepared to walk through the door" and leave the EU on 29 March as planned.
That was in response to the Prime Minister's announcement on Tuesday that the Commons could be given a vote on 14 March to delay Brexit for an unknown length of time.
In his resignation letter, Mr Eustice - who was a Ukip canididate at the 1999 European elections - said: "It is with tremendous sadness that I have decided to resign from the Government following the decision this week to allow the postponement of our exit from the EU.
"Since Parliament is now in direct control of events, I want to be free to participate in the critical debate that will take place in the weeks ahead."
He added: "I have stuck with the Government through a series of rather undignified retreats. However, I fear that developments this week will lead to a sequence of events culminating in the EU dictating the terms of any extension requested and the final humiliation of our country.
"I appreciate that you have been terribly undermined by those in Parliament who refuse to respect the referendum result. You have shown tenacity and resilience over the past year. However, what our country needs from all its political leaders at this critical juncture is courage, and we are about to find out whether Parliament has it."
In a blast at Brussels, Mr Eustice said: "I do not believe that the Commission has behaved honourably during these negotiations. They have deliberately made progress slow and difficult. They have stated in terms that they will refuse to even hold substantive negotiations on a future partnership until after we leave.
"If the position of Parliament is now that we will refuse to leave without an agreement then we are somewhat stuck. This is uncomfortable for everyone, but we cannot negotiate a successful Brexit unless we are prepared to walk through the door.
"We must therefore have the courage, if necessary, to reclaim our freedom first and talk afterwards. We must be ready to face down the European Union here and now. The absence of an agreement poses risks and costs for them too. We already know that in the event of "no deal" the EU will seek an informal transition period for nine months in many areas and settlement talks could continue within this window.
"I will do what I can from the back benches to try to salvage this sorry situation and I hope that, when the moment comes, Parliament will not let our country down."
Mr Eustice is the 21st minister to quit the Government since Theresa May became Prime Minister.
In her letter replying to Mr Eustice, Mrs May said he had been "an outstanding champion for the UK's farming and fishing communities" during his five-and-a-half years as a minister.
She added: "I agree with you that Parliament must now come together and honour the referendum result by voting for a deal which will give businesses and citizens the certainty they need and deserve.
"Our absolute focus should be on getting a deal that can command support in Parliament and leaving on 29 March. It is within our grasp and I am grateful to have your continued support in that important mission."
DIVIDED
Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron said: "It is odd that the minister has resigned complaining about Brexit delays when his department has delayed new laws on agriculture and fisheries post-Brexit,
"But this clearly shows the Conservative government is still hopelessly divided and that Theresa May's empty promises aren't helping. That's why we need to hand the decision back to the public, with an option to stay in the EU."
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