Theresa May is open to a snap general election if Remain-leaning MPs veto Brexit – as PM announces our top spy network is part of Article 50 negotiations
Mrs May made a substantial offer to EU chiefs to enshrine in writing the help they get from Britain’s intelligence agencies
THE Prime Minister could hold a snap general election if Remain-leaning MPs veto her Brexit deal.
Theresa May also talked tough to EU leaders by throwing Britain’s world-beating security and intelligence abilities on to the Article 50 negotiating table.
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Don't call me Maybe . . . Theresa May sets out her stall for Brexit and challenge to MPsCredit: Getty Images
Security clout . . . security forces work on 550 live cases at any time and have foiled ten terror attacks in the past two yearsCredit: Getty Images
But when quizzed on whether she would allow the result to bind her and keep Britain in the EU, she would say only: “I am sure the British parliament will want to deliver on the views of the British people in respect to the democratic decision taken.”
Key to our future . . . Theresa May wears her lucky Vivienne Westwood suit for Brexit speechCredit: Getty Images
She's like the wind . . . Theresa May Brexit speech was historic and could be a game-changer for BritainCredit: Reuters
One Cabinet minister told The Sun: “The PM knows she always has the voters up her sleeve, and she wants to keep them there.
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“If Parliament tries to block the deal she has brokered and recommended, she will then go to the country.”
Born to be wild . . . Theresa May is a stronger negotiator and operator than Mr CameronCredit: Reuters
Ready to leave . . . Theresa May announces that the EU will leave the single marketCredit: Getty Images
A source close to the PM also confirmed that a potential Brexit-deal general election would be “a political choice that would be made at the time”.
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Millionaire Ukip backer Arron Banks even branded the offer of a Parliament vote a mistake by Mrs May.
Mr Banks said: “With the promise of a parliamentary vote on her deal with the EU, May has opened the door to a Remainer coup.”
Arron Banks, the man who funded Brexit, is a vocal critic of Angela MerkelCredit: PA:Press Association
In the hot seat . . . Theresa May with her husband Philip
But reinforcing Mrs May’s determination to complete Brexit whether there is a deal or not, the PM’s official spokeswoman added: “We are now seeking a new partnership with the EU.
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“Either way, we will very clearly be leaving the EU.”
True democrat . . . Theresa May accepted the wishes of the British publicCredit: Reuters
As part of her vision for a new strategic partnership, Mrs May also made a substantial offer to EU countries to enshrine in writing the significant help they already get from Britain’s security and intelligence agencies for the first time.
The PM told them: “Our intelligence capabilities — unique in Europe — have already saved countless lives in very many terrorist plots that have been thwarted in countries across our continent.
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“After Brexit, Britain wants to be a good friend and neighbour in every way, and that includes defending the safety and security of all of our citizens.
“A global Britain will continue to cooperate with its European partners in important areas such as crime, terrorism and foreign affairs.”
Ambitious speech . . . Theresa May asks EU members to focus on potential Brexit gains for both sidesCredit: Reuters
British troops take part in an exercise in Estonia in 2014 - some are now stationed in Eastern EuropeCredit: Getty Images
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That included British troops currently stationed in Estonia, Poland and Romania to guard against resurgent Russia continuing to “do their duty”, she added.
No10 insisted the PM did not ever intend to withdraw life-saving intelligence sharing as part of hardball talks.
Explicit warning . . . MI6 Chief Sir Alex YoungerCredit: Reuters
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