Theresa May warns Tory MPs not to back amendments to Brexit legislation made by the Lords

The EU Withdrawal Bill will return to the Commons on Tuesday
EPA
Sophie Williams11 June 2018

Prime Minister Theresa May has warned Tory MPs not to back amendments to Brexit legislation made by the Lords.

She told a meeting of the backbench 1922 committee on Monday to consider the message that would be sent to Brussels if the government was defeated.

“I am trying to negotiate the best deal for Britain. I am confident I can get a deal that allows us to strike our own trade deals while having a border with the EU which is as frictionless as possible,” she said.

“But if the lords amendments are allowed to stand, that negotiating position will be undermined.”

On Tuesday, the EU Withdrawal Bill returns to the Commons.

It's thought that ministers are seeking to overturn a raft of amendments by the House of Lords which would keep Britain close to the EU after Brexit.

Ms May warned ministers that the way they vote will send an important signal to the country.

“The message we send to the country through our votes this week is important. We must be clear that we are united as a party in our determination to deliver on the decision made by the British people.

“They want us to deliver on Brexit and build a brighter future for Britain as we take back control of our money, our laws and our borders.”

Some pro-EU Tories have reported to be backing away amid fears Ms May could be damaged by defeat, opening a way for a more hardline Brexiteer to take over at the top.

It’s thought that the Government is the most vulnerable on two amendments – one on the customs union and the other giving Parliament a decisive say over what happens next if it rejects a final Brexit deal.

Additional reporting by PA.

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