Theresa May never even TRIED to kill off hated Northern Irish Brexit backstop, Arlene Foster claims

Mrs Foster revealed that deputy Irish PM Simon Coveney told her that the PM never even asked the EU to remove the backstop after postponing the original Meaningful Vote in December.

She said at an event on Tuesday with Brexiteers David Davis and Dominic Raab: "We said to the Prime Minister she had to get rid of the backstop and get a Withdrawal Agreement that can be lived with.

"I don't believe she even asked to get rid of the backstop. Frankly that’s not good enough.”

But despite confirming the DUP’s 10 MPs will vote against the deal in tonight’s crunch Commons vote, Ms Foster said she will not tear up the crucial confidence and supply deal they have.

"We still want to support the Government to bring stability to the UK, we still want a Brexit that works for the whole of the United Kingdom… that still remains the case," she said earlier.

The DUP kingmaker even suggested that losing tonight's vote would be GOOD for Mrs May, as it would strengthen her hand.

And the backstop was still her price for getting the party to back the deal, she added.

She said: "She will be able to go back to the European Union and tell them than she has taken the mood of Parliament, Parliament has rejected the Withdrawal Agreement as it currently stands and therefore there will have to be more negotiations."

She also branded Mrs May “distasteful” for warning that a no deal Brexit could risk strengthening calls for a united Ireland.

How will this all end? Brexit outcomes explained

MAY PULLS OFF A MIRACLE

With more than 100 Tory MPs speaking out against the deal, it's hard to see how the PM could win tonight's crunch vote.

HOW LIKELY? 1/5

TA TA, THERESA

Labour are likely to table a motion of no-confidence in the PM within minutes of tonight's vote.

But Tory Brexiteers and the DUP have pledged to back the Government in a confidence vote, meaning the PM would stay in office.

HOW LIKELY? 1/5

GOING SOFT

A cross-party group of MPs are frantically pushing an alternative Soft Brexit plan which could replace Mrs May's deal if it falls.

It would be welcomed by big business – but Brexit voters would be unhappy because it would mean Britain accepting open borders, and following European rules without a say.

HOW LIKELY? 3/5

HARD AS NAILS

Most of the Tory Brexiteers who oppose the PM's deal want her to return to Brussels and strike a tougher line.

But Eurocrats currently insist it's impossible to re-open negotiations.

HOW LIKELY? 2/5

REFERENDUM RE-RUN

Dozens of MPs are hell-bent on forcing Mrs May to hold a second referendum so Britain can stay in the EU.

Yet without the support of the Government it's unlikely the second vote could become a reality

HOW LIKELY? 2/5

DEAL OR NO DEAL?

If Mrs May's deal fails, the legal default is that we will leave the EU without a deal on March 29.

Despite the legal position, the majority of MPs insist they will take any measure necessary to rule out No Deal.

HOW LIKELY? 3/5

MAY TRIUMPHS – EVENTUALLY

Cabinet ministers remain adamant that a version of Theresa May's plan will eventually pass the Commons, even if she loses tonight.

They believe sceptical MPs will lose their nerve as Brexit Day approaches – terrified of either No Deal or a second referendum.

HOW LIKELY? 4/5

And delivering a withering verdict on the PM’s handling of Brexit negotiations, Mrs Foster said the Government should “choose reason and hope” instead of “fear and narrowness”.

Earlier today the German Foreign Minister threw Mrs May a lifeline, saying that Brussels could open up more Brexit talks if her deal is slapped down.

Mrs May is on course for a historic drubbing later as huge swathes of MPs throw out her deal.


 

Source: Read Full Article