Theresa May offering Commons vote on delaying Brexit to buy off Tory rebels
2 min read
Theresa May could give MPs a vote on delaying Brexit in a bid to avoid a wave of ministerial resignations, it has emerged.
The Prime Minister has privately told Cabinet ministers urging her to take no-deal off the table that the Commons could be given the option of voting to extend Article 50 by two months.
Justice Secretary David Gauke, Business Secretary Greg Clark and Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd have all told Mrs May they will quit their posts unless the prospect of a no-deal Brexit is ruled out.
Downing Street is desperate to head off a major rebellion on Wednesday, when MPs will have the chance to vote for an amendment in the name of Yvette Cooper and Oliver Letwin which aims to give Parliament the power to delay Brexit.
Up to a dozen ministers are thought to be prepared to defy the Government to vote for it unless Mrs May offers them assurances that the UK will not leave the EU without a deal.
The Prime Minister has said she will give MPs a fresh meaningful vote on her Brexit deal by 12 March.
Speaking to the BBC on Monday morning, Ms Rudd said: "I’m completely committed to make sure that we leave the European Union, and we do it in a way that supports the economy. What I don’t think is acceptable is allowing us to move ever closer to no deal."
Mrs May has repeatedly said that she will not extend the Article 50 process beyond 29 March.
Asked if the Prime Minister was willing to delay Brexit to avoid ministerial walkouts, her spokeswoman said: "That’s not something she wants to do. She wants to leave the European Union on 29 March. She also spoke about how that simply defers the decision-making point."
Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte earlier told Mrs May to "wake up" and realise that the UK was "sleepwalking" towards a no-deal Brexit.
He said: "It’s four weeks until the end date and still the UK has not agreed a position.
"So, now we are sleepwalking into a no deal scenario. It’s unacceptable and your best friends have to warn you now. Wake up. This is real. Come to a conclusion and close the deal."
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