According to reports, two junior members of Rishi Sunak’s government are considering resignation over his plans for a compromise Brexit on Northern Ireland.
The move has caused growing anger among Brexiteer Tory MPs who fear it could leave Northern Ireland under Brussels’ control.
Express.co.uk has learned that two Parliamentary Private Secretaries are holding talks with other Tory MPs about whether to resign in protest.
A Conservative MP stated, “They are talking about it on the basis that their careers are not going to go anywhere anyway because the polls show we are heading to a big defeat.”
The MPs’ potential resignations are based on their belief that they should take a principled stand against the proposed compromise, which they feel could harm the UK’s interests. They hope their actions will show they are trying to do the right thing and may persuade Downing Street to reconsider.
The MPs are also reportedly considering resigning over the failure of Mr Sunak to bring forward his Bill to deport migrants, which was delayed again this week. Additionally, Tory MPs are said to be nervous about next week’s tax-raising Budget.
There are concerns that the potential resignations could trigger an exodus from the government. Another Tory MP stated, “If these two decide to go, it could trigger a rush to the exit door and see many more resignations.”
The European Research Group (ERG) of Conservative Brexiteer MPs is set to meet at 6 pm, with approximately 100 MPs expected to rebel if the government tries to push through a compromise with the EU.
A recent Techne UK poll for Express.co.uk revealed that a majority of British voters, including pro-EU Remainers, are against a compromise.
An ERG source also warned that if Mr Sunak makes a mistake over Brexit, it could trigger a coup with Tory MPs “already nervous about the awful polling.”
Mr Sunak and Downing Street have taken over the lead in the Brexit talks with the EU over Northern Ireland from Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. It is a make or break issue for his Premiership.
Boris Johnson has called on the Prime Minister to push through the protocol bill instead of doing a deal with Northern Ireland. This would remove blocks to Northern Ireland trading and moving in the rest of the UK, but it could trigger a trade war with the EU.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has come out in support of Mr Johnson’s position, while former leadership rival Penny Mordaunt described it as “helpful.”
Former Brexit Opportunities Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg likened Mr Sunak taking control of the talks to the mistakes made by Theresa May in her Brexit negotiations.
Source: Rishi Sunak threatened with two immediate resignations over Brexit Northern Ireland talks
