Tony Blair sticks his oar in to Brexit AGAIN telling EU that No Deal is off the table
The former PM has told European leaders they shouldn't worry about Britain leaving the EU without a deal
TONY Blair was accused of undermining Theresa May’s fast-diminishing negotiating hand by telling the EU that it shouldn’t worry about Britain opting for a no deal Brexit.
The former PM told German newspaper Die Welt that Mrs May’s bid to win fresh concessions on the Irish backstop won’t save her deal and predicted she would be forced to extend Article 50.
He said the chances of a No Deal were only 10 per cent.
Mr Blair told Die Welt: “Even if the EU ignores the backstop and thereby gives up the position of the Irish government, which I do not believe will happen, even then it would not save the deal.
“I think it's important that EU governments do not focus too much on a No Deal and its risks, and I keep telling people that the No Deal will not happen.
As Theresa May begins a frantic rush to come up with a plan to save her deal:
- Brexiteers launched a fresh bid to calm fears about No Deal
- Remainers are today coming forward with their plans to DELAY Brexit until the end of the year to give the PM more time - and stop No Deal
- Labour was warned the party could split if Jeremy Corbyn didn't block a second referendum
- EU boss Michel Barnier said the deal was the "best possible" - but said they could make the declaration on the future trade agreement more "ambitious"
“There is an overwhelming majority in Parliament. If the government provokes it anyway, there will be many resignations in the Cabinet."
The former Labour prime minister’s latest intervention on Brexit sparked a furious backlash from Tory MPs, who branded him a traitor.
Tory MP Steve Double fumed: “Tony Blair reaches a new low as he is now actively working with the EU against the democratic decision of the British people.”
Meanwhile, the PM is privately blaming Jeremy Corbyn for failing to work with her Brexit to get a deal done and is now set to abandon cross-party talks and focus on winning over her own Tories and the DUP instead.
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It was warned last weekend that going for a customs union like Labour wants could totally split the Tories.
Last week Mrs May attempted to reach out to the Labour boss to talk about ways the two parties could work together, but he's sparked fury for refusing to get involved.
Today the Labour boss was ridiculed for insisting that No Deal threats are "empty and hugely expensive" and called on her to "reach out" to avoid a crisis - even though he's the one who won't speak to her.
How will this all end? Brexit outcomes explained
GOING SOFT
A cross-party group of MPs are frantically pushing an alternative Soft Brexit plan which could replace Mrs May's deal.
It would be welcomed by big business - but Brexit voters would be unhappy because it would mean Britain accepting open borders, and following European rules without a say.
HOW LIKELY? 3/5
HARD AS NAILS
Most of the Tory Brexiteers who oppose the PM's deal want her to return to Brussels and strike a tougher line.
But Eurocrats currently insist it's impossible to re-open negotiations.
HOW LIKELY? 2/5
REFERENDUM RE-RUN
Dozens of MPs are hell-bent on forcing Mrs May to hold a second referendum so Britain can stay in the EU.
Yet without the support of the Government it's unlikely the second vote could become a reality.
HOW LIKELY? 2/5
DEAL OR NO DEAL?
If Mrs May cannot pass a deal, the legal default is that we will leave the EU without a deal on March 29.
Despite the legal position, the majority of MPs insist they will take any measure necessary to rule out No Deal.
HOW LIKELY? 4/5
MAY TRIUMPHS - EVENTUALLY
Cabinet ministers remain adamant that a version of Theresa May's plan will eventually pass the Commons, even after losing last night.
They believe sceptical MPs will lose their nerve as Brexit Day approaches - terrified of either No Deal or a second referendum.
HOW LIKELY? 3/5
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