Brexit-blocking MPs blasted for ‘grossly irresponsible’ blackmail plan to cut off funds for poor, OAPs and schools
REMAIN MPs were branded “grossly irresponsible” on Thursday by No10 after mounting a shock bid to block No Deal next week.
Downing Street tore into Tory backbencher Dominic Grieve after he teamed up with Labour’s Margaret Beckett in a fresh Parliament plot.
The pair will ask MPs next Tuesday to cut off cash to departments handling schools and welfare unless the Commons gets a vote on a new Brexit deal or a chance to block a cliff-edge exit.
Sources told The Sun on Thursday night that up to TWENTY Tories including ex-Minister Justine Greening back the plot.
But the PM’s official spokeswoman urged the Remainers to drop their plan.
She said: “Any attempt to deny vital funding to Whitehall departments would be grossly irresponsible.
“This is Government spending for this financial year and funds crucial areas like schools, housing and welfare.”
Brexit-backing Tories branded Mr Grieve – a former Attorney General – “arrogant and disrespectful”.
Simon Clarke MP, a Boris supporter said: “For Dominic Grieve to start to play politics with schools, hospitals and welfare payments is appalling.”
But a defiant Mr Grieve told The Sun: “The gross irresponsibility comes from the leadership candidates who want to take us out of the EU without the prior approval of Parliament.
“I believe I have sufficient support for this to pass.”
The bitter row follows Boris Johnson’s vow to deliver Brexit on October 31 – “do or die”. Speaking in Japan on Thursday Theresa May hinted her desire to block a No Deal and urged Boris to seek a negotiated settlement.
It came as it emerged the civil servant leading the Government’s planning for a No Deal Brexit is standing down.
Tom Shinner, director of policy and delivery coordination, is quitting after three years in the post.
Separately, rebel peers in the Lords piled pressure on the Government by launching a move to force Ministers to detail publish fresh evidence on the impact of a No Deal.
The Sun Says
EVEN we didn’t think Remainer MPs would stoop this low. To stop Brexit they are now ready to inflict hardship and fear on the poorest and most vulnerable.
Shame on Tory saboteur Dominic Grieve and Labour co-plotter Margaret Beckett. Shame on Labour if it backs them, and on any Tories who join them.
MPs have repeatedly promised to honour Brexit. Yet they reject the only deal on offer and the EU refuses to improve it. No Deal isn’t The Sun’s favoured option, but it IS the logical and inevitable consequence of their game-playing.
Grieve hopes instead to stop Brexit . . . by blackmailing his own Government and, sickeningly, holding a gun to the heads of the poor both here and abroad.
But No Deal would still be the default. And funding would have to be immediately restored. Grieve is mad if he thinks anyone but him and his Remainer friends will be blamed for targeting benefit claimants, OAPs and schools.
Their conceit is repugnant. Even Theresa May, normally one to mince her words, calls them “grossly irresponsible”.
This Cabinet lacks resolve, but our new one must unite to face down the wreckers. Boris Johnson is right to say there would be no place in his for those unwilling to back No Deal as a last resort.
If it means exile for Amber Rudd and her allies, so be it. Voters have had enough of MPs and ministers issuing threats if they don’t get their way.
Brexit MUST happen. Our democracy hinges on it. And the chance of No Deal is not as remote as Boris makes out.
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If a motion is passed in the Lords next Wednesday the Commons would be asked to set up new committees to study the economic fallout.
On Thursday night Tory leadership candidate Jeremy Hunt demanded Dominic Grieve drop his “counter-productive plan”.
He said: “I strongly urge all Conservatives to come together and rally around the new Prime Minister, whoever that is.”
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