(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Theresa May was yesterday warned she faces a possible double defeat over Brexit as around 25 Tory MPs signalled they are ready to 'mutiny in critical debates over the next week.
Rebel leaders said they had easily enough support in the Commons to defeat the prime minister on two areas unless she gives ground. The first showdown is over an amendment to the Withdrawal Bill demanding that parliament be given key decision-making votes on the outcome of Brexit negotiations. It was debated yesterday, with a vote today.
An even bigger revolt is expected either today or next week on May's surprise decision to write the Brexit date of March 29, 2019 into law, which critics say could trap the UK into a deadline.
Former attorney general Dominic Grieve, who has been in talks with ministers, said: 'Amendment 7 (giving parliament a meaningful vote on the final deal) is necessary to ensure parliamentary control over the end of the Brexit process, prior to our leaving. The government has committed in principle that this is the right thing so do so they should accept the management.
On May's amendment to fix the date, he said: 'It remains totally unnecessary. It serves no useful purpose, it pointlessly restricts the ability to make last-minute adjustments to Brexit if this is needed in the national interest.
A government source said ministers believe the Commons will have a full say over the Brexit deal, which will be put into law as part of a Withdrawal Agreement and Implementation Bill next year.
However, they would not guarantee MPs would be allowed to amend the final Brexit deal.
On Monday the Standard revealed ministers were ready to give a big concession on the use of 'Henry VIII powers — under which ministers would be able to change a range of laws without consulting MPs. The government says this would only be used to make sure EU law can be correctly copied into UK law, but critics dub it 'rule by decree.
Downing Street has now announced it will set up a 'sifting committee of MPs to ensure major changes in the law are properly debated.
The biggest revolt is expected over the Brexit date, which a former whip was overheard describing as 'such a stupid idea. A cross-party committee of peers has criticised it as posing 'significant difficulties.
Animal charities welcomed a commitment by Environment Secretary Michael Gove to use Brexit to boost laws on animal welfare. David Bowles, the RSPCA's head of public affairs, said: 'This is potentially great news. Claire Horton, chief executive of Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, said the rescue centre was 'delighted.
Meanwhile the Scottish government is demanding 'basic answers on which EU powers will be handed to Holyrood after Brexit.
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