UK Cabinet to discuss plans for no-deal Brexit
UK Cabinet ministers met on Tuesday to discuss increasing preparations for a no-deal Brexit, including allocating cash from a contingency fund as MPs were told they wouldn't vote on Theresa May's proposals until mid-January.
Labour leader Jeremy Corby on Monday tabled a motion of no confidence in the prime minister over her delay in holding the vote.
“It’s bad – unacceptable – that we should be waiting almost a month before we have a meaningful vote on the crucial issue facing the future of this country,” he said.
May pulled a vote on the issue last week when she realised she would lose heavily and jeopardise her premiership.
Many MPs are opposed to the government's withdrawal agreement, especially the so-called backstop agreement to prevent a hard border with Ireland.
May told parliament on Monday that a no-deal Brexit would “risk the jobs, services and security of the people we serve” at the price of “turning our backs on an agreement with our neighbours that honours the referendum and provides for a smooth and orderly exit”.
Corbyn, who has struggled to present a coherent Labour position on Brexit, tabled the motion against May personally, rather than the government. He said MPs had "no confidence in the prime minister due to her failure to allow the House of Commons to have a meaningful vote straightaway".
Conservative ministers in charge of parliamentary business indicated they would not allow time for any debate.
The Labour leader swerved the normal convention of tabling a vote of no confidence in the government, which, if lost by May could trigger a General Election. Any victory for Corbyn would have been embarrassing for the prime minister, but only symbolic for her opponent.
Earlier on Monday, May's spokesman said there would soon be an announcement about spending the Treasury’s £2bn contingency fund.