Ministers in secret talks with Labour to create Brexit ‘government of national unity’ like in WWII
MINISTERS are in secret talks with Labour over a Brexit 'Government of National Unity', The Sun can reveal.
Emergency planning has already begun for life after Theresa May, as the Prime Minister hangs onto power by her fingertips.
Some ministers have initiated secret talks with moderate Labour MPs for a World War Two-style coalition government as the only hope of ending the Brexit deadlock in the Commons.
One mid-ranking minister involved in the clandestine talks told The Sun: “We are speaking to sensible Labour people to see what might be possible.
“It’s early days, but we may well end up needing to govern with them when Theresa goes. "It really is that bad in my view.”
Winston Churchill presided over a Conservative-led coalition government from 1940 to 1945 where both Labour and the Tories worked together.
Labour's John McDonnell backed the idea of working across the parties, telling Radio 4: "I think we can secure a majority.
"I think what is emerging within the House of Commons now is almost a unity platform to avoid a no-deal.2"
But Theresa May has vowed to fight on, saying she believed in her Brexit deal with "every fibre of my being" despite the open warfare in her cabinet.
Last night Tory Ken Clarke hinted he would support a Government of National Unity.
He told Channel 4 News last night: "The Corbynistas are a waste of time, they’re hardline Brexiteers. Jacob Rees-Mogg’s followers are a waste of time, they’re all hardline nationalists.
"But in between, it’s time for all good men to come and rally to the interests of the country.”
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The news comes as Mrs May faces a fight to stay in her job today - with a vote of no confidence in her leadership looking ever more likely.
This morning angry voters demanded she quit during a live radio interview.
And the PM hinted she could change her Brexit plans in a last-ditch plan to get MPs to sign it off.
She received a huge boost this morning as it emerged Michael Gove will stay in the Cabinet - even though he turned down the chance to be Brexit Secretary.
As Westminster braced for another day of high drama:
- Minister threatened to launch a second wave of damaging resignations
- Rebel Tories continued to send in letters calling for the PM to be forced out
- Government whips were summoned to Westminster ahead of a possible vote in her leadership
- Mrs May prepared to reshuffle her Cabinet to replace ministers who've already quit
- She insisted the Brexit deal is personal - revealing her life depends on insulin imported from the EU
- But not a single Leave-backing minister has publicly spoken out in support of the deal
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