Desperate Theresa May will plead for MPs to back her Brexit Bill in a crucial speech tonight – as her hopes of success fade.
The PM will make the case for her ‘bold’ package in a speech in Westminster this afternoon, urging politicians to get on board with her plan.
The appeal comes after Cabinet signed off the proposals, to be put before the Commons in two weeks’ time, in a marathon two-hour discussion.
However, Mrs May is facing the prospect of another crushing defeat after Jacob Rees-Mogg joined senior Tories deserting her camp.
Mr Rees-Mogg – head of the powerful ERG block of MPs – made clear he would be switching sides to vote against the crucial legislation when it comes to the Commons next month.
During a fraught Cabinet meeting, Mrs May told ministers: ‘The Withdrawal Agreement is the vehicle which gets the UK out the EU and it is vital to find a way to get it over the line.’
The Withdrawal Agreement Bill, known as WAB, is expected to try to win over Labour MPs by floating a temporary customs union with the EU until the next general election. However, shadow chancellor John McDonnell has again dismissed the chances of the party supporting the legislation.
A Downing Street spokesman said: ‘Cabinet discussed the new deal which the Government will put before Parliament in order to seek to secure the UK’s exit from the EU.
‘The discussion included alternative arrangements, workers rights, environmental protections and further assurances, in particular the integrity of the UK in the unlikely event the backstop is required.’
The speech tonight is titled ‘A new Brexit deal – seeking common ground in Parliament’.
Despite signing off the attempt to push the Brexit Bill through, Cabinet is already at war over what happens after Mrs May is ousted – with open leadership jostling
(Theresa May pictured leaving No10 by the back door after intense talks with the Cabinet today)
(Andrea Leadsom (pictured today) has hit back at the Chancellor Philip Hammond )