Theresa May on collision course with Tory rebels after rejecting 'meaningful vote' bid

The Prime Minister said an amendment to the flagship EU Withdrawal Bill tabled by former attorney general Dominic Grieve could disrupt the Brexit process.

MPs are due to vote on it this evening, with the Government in serious danger of being defeated on the legislation for the first time.

Brexit Secretary David Davis tried to quell the rebellion this morning by insisting MPs would get several opportunities to scrutinise the deal, including the passage of a fresh Withdrawal Agreement and Implementation Bill.

At Prime Minister's Questions, pro-EU Tory MP Anna Soubry called on Mrs May to accept Mr Grieve's amendment.

But rejecting that idea, the Prime Minister said: "We will ensure there is a meaningful vote in this House. There will then, of course, be an opportunity for Parliament to look at the Withdrawal Agreement and Implementation Bill.

"We were very clear that we won't commence any statutory instruments until that meaningful vote has taken place. But as currently drafted what the amendment says is we shouldn't put any of those arrangements, any of those statutory instruments, into place until the Withdrawal Agreement and Implementation Bill has reached the statute book.

“That could be at a very late stage in the proceedings, which could mean we are not able to have the orderly and smooth exit from the EU that we wish to have."

A defeat on the bill would be a major embarrassment for the Prime Minister, who is travelling to Brussels tomorrow for a European Council summit at which leaders are expected to give the green light to trade talks between the UK and EU in the New Year.

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