MPs seek to ‘block a no-deal Brexit with govt shutdown’

Senior Conservative and Labour MPs have joined forces in an attempt to stop a “no-deal” Brexit.

Tory MP Nicky Morgan and Labour’s Yvette Cooper have tabled an amendment to the Finance Bill which would limit the government’s spending powers in the event of the UK leaving the European Union without a deal.

If Parliament is to grip this #Brexit chaos, then MPs must generate fresh chances to express the way forward.

Delighted my amendment 8 to the Finance Bill has such wide cross-party support today which, alongside @YvetteCooperMP amendment 7 can shift power from Ministers to MPs pic.twitter.com/pDjzk5XVos

— Chris Leslie (@ChrisLeslieUK) January 8, 2019

It has the support of Tories Sir Oliver Letwin, Nick Boles and Sarah Wollaston – as well as Hilary Benn, the Labour chairman of the Brexit select committee.

A separate measure put down by Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable would also prevent ministers from collecting key taxes unless parliament has approved its approach to Brexit.

Cooper added: “The risks to our economy and security from no deal are far too high and it would be irresponsible to allow it to happen.

“I do not believe parliament would support no deal and ministers should rule it out now.

“Time is running out and this is too serious for brinkmanship.

“Parliament needs to make sure there are opportunities to stop the country reaching the cliff edge by accident. This amendment helps to do just that.”

Treasury select committee chairwoman Morgan said: “Many of us have been clear that parliament will not allow a no-deal situation to unfold, and with less than 12 weeks to go until 29 March it is time for parliament to show our opposition to a no-deal exit.”