Huntingdon MP Jonathan Djanogly has refuted suggestions made in a national newspaper that he is part of a band of ‘Brexit mutineers’.
Mr Djanogly and a group of 14 Conservative party colleagues were featured on the front page of the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday (November 15) and were accused of attempting to impede the progress of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The article also featured the MP for South Cambridgeshire, Heidi Allen.
Responding to the article, Mr Djanogly told the Hunts Post: “Firstly, I should point out that I am not supporting the ‘remain in the EU position’ and neither do I wish to hold up our leaving the EU.
“Generally speaking, I am concerned that the withdrawal bill has flaws both in terms of some of its constitutional implications and also the possibility that it will impede our ability to negotiate a clean exit and a decent new arrangement with the EU post our leaving.
“The Daily Telegraph report was, as has indeed also been recognised by the government, inaccurate in branding me and others as Remainers. It was also unhelpful in our wish to find an acceptable solution that works. This shall remain my priority.
“I should point out that the vote on this issue will not be held for some time. In this regard, I very much hope the government will have taken the mood of the House of Commons and will look to bring forward a sensible compromise before the vote takes place.”
MPs are currently scrutinising a key Brexit bill – with debate expected to last into next week. They have backed plans to repeal the 1972 European Communities Act, which will end the supremacy of EU law in the UK, by 318 votes to 68.
But several Conservative MPs criticised plans to specify an exact date for Brexit and it was suggested they could rebel at a later date.
The Daily Telegraph reported that up to 15 Conservative MPs – including Mr Djanogly and Ms Allen - could join forces with Labour on the issue when it is voted on next month, threatening defeat for the Government.
The MPs are said to be concerned at a Government plan to enshrine in law the Brexit date and time, which is proposed as 11pm on March 29, 2019.
The proposal was announced by Theresa May last Friday (November 10).
Ms Allen, the MP for South Cambridgeshire, which includes Papworth, took to social media in the wake of the front page article.
She tweeted: “If fighting for the best possible future for our country and our government is considered mutiny - then bring it on.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here