MPs’ holiday may be cut short in attempt to end Brexit deadlock
TORY chiefs may axe the traditional party conference “recess” later this September to help the new PM break the Brexit deadlock.
Cabinet sources told The Sun that talks were under way to consider calling MPs back for 10 extra days given the lack of parliamentary time before the October 31 deadline for a deal with the EU.
Boris Johnson last night told a Tory hustings that there was no need to bin MPs' summer holidays from July 25 to September 3.
He said: “I think we can get this thing done without having to resort to such desperate expedience.”
But under the plans being considered by whips, MPs would be forced to come in for two extra weeks over at the end of September and early October.
The move could play havoc with the party conference season – traditionally a huge fundraiser for both the Tories and Labour.
'MOVE ORCHESTRATED BY REMAINERS'
One senior source last night said the issue was discussed by Commons Leader Mel Stride and party whips.
They claimed any decision would have to ultimately be taken by whoever wins the Tory leadership race.
“Currently, there is a break until September 3 and any decision for after that will have to be taken by the next Prime Minister,” an insider said.
An arch Eurosceptic last night said Brexiteers fear the move is being orchestrated by ‘Remainers’ desperate to stop a No Deal.
They said: “This is all about giving MPs more time to stop us leaving.
“This gives the likes of Oliver Letwin and Yvette Cooper more days to do whatever they can to block a No Deal on October 31.
But a senior Tory said there was a growing realisation that either Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt may also need more time to get any revised deal through Parliament before the end of October.
The MP told The Sun: “The idea would be that you keep the momentum, keep the DUP, ERG and some of the Labour Brexiteers in Westminster and push the deal through.”
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