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Theresa May stares down rebellious Lords debating Brexit bill amendments after warning them about ‘holding up’ will of the people

The PM became first leader in 27 years to make visit to the 'other place' to watch the opening remarks of Article 50 debate

THERESA May insisted on staring down rebellious lords in person yesterday as some threatened to impose curbs on Brexit.

The Prime Minister stunned the upper house’s ageing members by sitting on the steps of the Queen’s throne as they began debating the bill to authorise EU exit talks.

Theresa May made a special appearance to watch over the Lords
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Theresa May made a special appearance to watch over the LordsCredit: ParliamentTV
Theresa kept a close eye on proceedings
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Theresa kept a close eye on proceedingsCredit: PA:Press Association
Baroness Williams of Trafford speaks about the Brexit Bill in the House of Lords
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Baroness Williams of Trafford speaks about the Brexit Bill in the House of Lords

It is the first time in 27 years that a PM has taken up the right open to any privy councillor.

Hours earlier, Mrs May issued a warning to pro-Remain lords not to hold up Britain’s EU departure.

Insisting all amendments to the 137-word bill were blocked by the Commons two weeks ago, she said: “I don’t want anybody holding up what the British people want, which is for us to deliver Brexit.”

Mrs May watched Peers discuss the opening of the second reading of the European Union Withdrawal Bill
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 Mrs May watched Peers discuss the opening of the second reading of the European Union Withdrawal BillCredit: Parliament Live

Ministers are braced for at least two defeats on the ‘Article 50’ bill when voting begins from next week – on bids to guarantee rights for EU nationals living in Britain now and giving Parliament a veto on the final exit deal.

Tory peers are significantly outnumbered in the upper house by Labour, Lib Dems and crossbenchers.
But Labour’s Lords boss signalled a climb down yesterday to pledge not to delay the PM’s timetable to begin Brexit by the end of next month.

Baroness Smith said her peers will allow the bill to pass if MPs throw out peers’ changes to it, adding: “I don’t see any extended ping-pong on this at all. I’ll be very clear about that”.

Theresa May sits in on the Brexit Bill debate inside the House of Lords in Westminster
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Theresa May sits in on the Brexit Bill debate inside the House of Lords in WestminsterCredit: PA:Press Association
Prime Minister Theresa May sits behind the Speaker as Baroness Smith of Basildon speaks in the House of Lords, London, during a debate on the Brexit Bill
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Prime Minister Theresa May sits behind the Speaker as Baroness Smith of Basildon speaks in the House of Lords, London, during a debate on the Brexit BillCredit: PA:Press Association
She visited the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory this lunchtime with Conservative candidate Jack Brereton ahead of Thursday's by-election
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She visited the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory this lunchtime with Conservative candidate Jack Brereton ahead of Thursday's by-electionCredit: PA:Press Association

Reinforcing Mrs May yesterday, prominent Brexit supporting MPs including Boris Johnson kept up a constant presence in the Lords last night to also eyeball peers.

Downing Street ducked questions about whether the PM’s presence was to intimidate peers out of defying her.

The PM’s official spokesman said: “She wanted to recognise the importance of the bill as it passes through the Lords”.

The last PM to sit on the throne’s steps was John Major, who came to listen to his pal Lord Waddington’s maiden speech.

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Speaking in the debate, Lord Hague told peers that overturning the Brexit result would plunge Britain into “the most protracted, bitter, potentially endless conflict in British society” for over a century.

The former Tory leader also slammed ex-PM Tony Blair to brand it a “great mistake to ask people to rise up” against the EU referendum result.

But the Lib Dems’ boss Lord Newby insisted his party would push a vote on a second referendum, telling the upper house: “To sit on our hands is both unthinkable and unconscionable”.

Former Tory EU commissioner Lord Hill called on Brexit critics to “cut the PM some slack” and not undermine her negotiation with Parliament veto.

As the debate began in the Lords protesters staged a rally outside Parliament as part of a national day in support of migrants
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As the debate began in the Lords protesters staged a rally outside Parliament as part of a national day in support of migrantsCredit: PA:Press Association
Demonstrators were taking part in One Day Without Us and urged the Government to secure their rights to remain in the UK
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Demonstrators were taking part in One Day Without Us and urged the Government to secure their rights to remain in the UKCredit: PA:Press Association
Participants held flags in the demonstration on Parliament Green
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Participants held flags in the demonstration on Parliament GreenCredit: PA:Press Association

What are the amendments being proposed to the Bill?

Some of the amendments include...

  • To retain membership of the European Economic Area or Single Market
  • To mandate Theresa May to support the maintenance of an open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
  • A vote before both Houses of Parliament before agreeing a deal with the EU - AND it being approved by the people in a second referendum
  • Calls for a report into the Prime Minister's intentions of cooperating with various EU agencies after we leave
  • To guarantee the rights of EU citizens currently in the UK
  • Reports and statements on the progress of the EU talks to be given to Parliament
  • Impact assessments from the Treasury and Exiting the EU department

Source: Parliament.uk

Theresa May wants to trigger Article 50 next month
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Theresa May wants to trigger Article 50 next monthCredit: AP:Associated Press

But the Lib Dems’ boss Lord Newby insisted his party would push a vote on a second referendum, telling the upper house: “To sit on our hands is both unthinkable and unconscionable”.

Former Tory EU commissioner Lord Hill called on Brexit critics to “cut the PM some slack” and not undermine her negotiation with Parliament veto.

Lord Hill told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme: “The idea that at the end of that process of negotiation a British negotiator says ‘oh I’m terribly sorry, that deal that I’ve just offered to you and struck with you, I’m afraid that Parliament has just voted on it and changed the terms’, I don’t see how you could negotiate in good faith if we were to proceed on that basis.”

“But in the negotiation, I think we have to cut the Prime Minister and the Government some slack, and they have to be able to negotiate on our behalf in good faith.”

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