Jeremy Corbyn branded a ‘con artist’ as Brexit Secretary David Davis warns Labour MPs not to block vital Brexit bill
JEREMY Corbyn was branded a con artist last night as Brexit Secretary David Davis warned Labour MPs they risked a “chaotic” Brexit if they block a vital bill tonight.
Justice Minister Dominic Raab attacked Labour’s opposition to the EU Withdrawal Bill branding it the “biggest con trick” perpetrated by party leader Jeremy Corbyn on the public.
It came after Theresa May warned MPs plotting to derail the Brexit bill it would plunge the UK into anarchy.
MPs will vote tonight on key legislation seeking to copy EU law and enshrine it in the British law books over the next two years.
Despite claiming to back Brexit, Jeremy Corbyn has whipped his MPs to vote against the bill with the Lib Dems and SNP also on side.
Mr Raab told Sky News: “Come Monday evening I think that the Labour party will have their cards called, because they toured up and down the country saying they were going to back Brexit and now they’re voting against this whole bill.”
Last night, ahead of the vote, the Brexit Secretary insisted criticism of the EU Withdrawal Bill was “vacuous”.
He said: “A vote against this Bill is a vote for a chaotic exit from the European Union.
“The British people did not vote for confusion and neither should Parliament.
“Providing certainty and stability in the lead up to our withdrawal is a key priority.
“Businesses and individuals need reassurance that there will be no unexpected changes to our laws after exit day and that is exactly what the repeal bill provides.
“Without it, we would be approaching a cliff edge of uncertainty which is not in the interest of anyone.
“That’s why I’m urging all MPs of all parts of the UK to come together in support of this crucial legislation so that we can leave the European Union safe in the knowledge that we are ready for day one of exit.”
It’s thought up to a dozen Leave-backing Labour backbenchers could potentially defy Mr Corbyn to support the principle of Brexit.
Several Tory MPs have expressed disquiet over the details of the Bill but are expected to back it after the conclusion of its first Commons stage.
The most controversial aspect are the so-called ‘Henry VIII’ powers for ministers to change laws without needing the Commons’ permission.
It came as some Tory MPs threatened to block any Brexit divorce bill Theresa May agrees with the EU – who want up to £100 billion to “settle up” when the UK quits the Bloc.
Last night a spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn said: “Labour fully respects the democratic decision to leave the European Union, voted to trigger Article 50 and backs a jobs-first Brexit with full tariff-free access to the European single market.
“But as democrats we cannot vote for a Bill that unamended would let government ministers grab powers from parliament to slash people’s rights at work and reduce protection for consumers and the environment”.