Jacob Rees-Mogg to lead powerful group of Eurosceptic Tory MPs
2 min read
Jacob Rees-Mogg has been elected to chair a 60-strong group of eurosceptic Tory MPs.
The MP for North East Somerset will lead the influential European Research Group and has vowed to use his position to shape Brexit.
The prominent Brexiteer has taken over from previous chairs Suella Fernandes and Steve Baker, both of whom are now ministers in the Brexit department.
Mr Rees-Mogg said in a statement: “I am delighted to have been elected in succession to Suella Fernandes and Steve Baker who were both superb chairmen.
“In this role I am keen to help the government implement the principles laid down by the prime minister, Mrs Theresa May, in her Lancaster House speech.
“It is especially important to achieve control of our laws, control immigration and achieve new trade agreements with other countries.
“The ERG speaks individually not with the collective view but has considerable support across the parliamentary party.
"As chairman I intend to be helpful, vigorous and supportive towards government policy of making a success of Brexit.”
This comes as MPs prepare to vote on the EU Withdrawal Bill today as it goes through its third reading in the Commons.
The Government expects the Bill to pass, although Labour has indicated it will vote against it.
Pro-EU MPs are reportedly relying on the Lords to make significant amendments to the legislation.
Speaking yesterday, former minister Ken Clarke said he hoped peers would make "an enormous number of changes", adding that it was an "illusion" to think it would get an "untroubled passage".
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