⌕ (BUTTON) 𝗫 * News + UK + Politics + Brexit + World + Health + Education + Technology + Science + Environment + Business + Media + Long Reads + Consumer + Northern Ireland + Scotland + Real Life * Opinion + Columnists + Comment + Editor + Your Views * Lifestyle + Travel + Food and Drink + Wellbeing + Money + People + Work + Women + Homes and Gardens + Shopping + How To + Christmas 2020 + Cars * Culture + TV + Film + Music + Arts + Books + Gaming + Radio * Sport + Cricket + Football + Formula 1 + Rugby Union * ibuys + Tech + Home & Garden + Baby & Child + Fashion & Beauty + Food & Drink + Sports & Fitness + Travel & Outdoor + Books & Stationery + Christmas * Distractions + Jokes + Offbeat + Quizzes Follow Us The i newsletter latest news and analysis ____________________ Sign upEmail address is invalidEmail address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. ⌕ * News + UK + Politics + Brexit + World + Health + Education + Technology + Science + Environment + Business + Long Reads * Opinion + Columnists + Comment + Editor + Your Views * Lifestyle + Travel + Food and Drink + Wellbeing + Money + People + Women + Homes and Gardens + Cars + Distractions * Culture + TV + Film + Music + Arts + Books + Gaming + Radio * Sport + Football + Cricket + Rugby Union + Formula 1 Search (BUTTON) ☰ * News * Brexit Brexit deal vote: The possible rebels to watch out for as UK-EU agreement looks set to pass in a day Brexit vote a bigger political risk for Keir Starmer than Boris Johnson, with deal set to pass easily By Karl McDonald December 29, 2020 11:23 am Sir Keir Starmer faces a potential rebellion from multiple sources in the party – but the deal will still pass easily (Photo: PA) After four years of internal and external wrangling, the Government is finally set to pass its post-Brexit trade deal into law, putting the ongoing uncertainty to bed and setting the course for the UK’s economy in the years to come. In spite of the struggles faced by Boris Johnson‘s predecessor Theresa May, the passage of the bill tomorrow should be relatively without incident. Labour will support the Government, according to Keir Starmer, while the Conservatives should have more than enough votes even without that backing. The i politics newsletter cut through the noise ____________________ Sign upEmail address is invalidEmail address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. But history has taught us that Brexit brings out parliamentarians willing to take a stand on principle, and the current crop of MPs has proven itself quite rebellious already, notwithstanding the Prime Minister’s 80-seat majority. On both sides of the aisle there are lawmakers who may fear voting for something they do not support – for fear of having to own it in the future, or because of their core beliefs. These are the groups to watch as the deal is expected to zip through Parliament in just one day. Tory eurosceptics File photo dated 17/10/19 of Boris Johnson and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, ahead of the opening sessions of the European Council summit at EU headquarters in Brussels. The UK and EU have reached a post-Brexit trade agreement. PA Photo. Issue date: Saturday December 26, 2020. See PA story POLITICS Brexit. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire Boris Johnson with Jean-Claude Juncker in 2019 – the deal he has secured should pass more easily than his predecessor’s efforts (Photo: PA) The Prime Minister appears to have won the support of many of the hardliners within his party in spite of hard-to-swallow agreements on sovereignty, Northern Ireland and fishing. The ERG’s so-called “star chamber” of lawyers was due to scrutinise the deal today, with a statement expected later. However, with Labour support assured and time running out, there is little leverage for eurosceptics to threaten rebellion. Prominent figures such as Peter Bone and Bernard Jenkin had previously spoken out about their expectations on fish and sovereignty – but it remains to be seen whether the deal as struck is enough to trigger a vote against the only form of Brexit that is currently on the table. Labour remainers Sir Keir Starmer has refused to countenance abstaining or voting against the deal, embracing the agreement on offer as a preferred alternative to no deal. He’s been clear that he expects the Conservatives to own the consequences – but plenty of Labour MPs spent much of the previous parliament strongly committed to the anti-Brexit cause, and may struggle to perform the gymnastics necessary to agree to the not-all-that-close future relationship. Ben Bradshaw, a minister under both Blair and Brown, signed a cross-factional letter from Another Europe is Possible and Labour for a Socialist Europe criticising the deal as a “significant downgrade” from the status quo. Neil Coyle, who voted against triggering Article 50 in 2017, is also on record among a handful of MPs, including Rupa Huq, Kevin Brennan, Geraint Davies and Clive Efford, who have said they cannot support it. Up to 20 rebels are expected. One MP told the Telegraph: “It was claimed that we were all needed to ensure the deal passes, but we know that this is not going to be a ‘meaningful’ vote. It’s a straw man argument and I found it patronising to have it put up as a defence of the party’s position.” Labour left LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: John McDonnell MP addresses striking workers at a rally near at Heathrow Airport on December 14, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Guy Smallman/Getty Images) John McDonnell signed a letter criticising Labour support for the deal (Photo: Getty) Mr Starmer has another difficulty on his left flank, where some MPs have already showed themselves willing to defy the whip in earlier votes. John McDonnell is the most high profile left-winger to have signed the Another Europe is Possible/Labour for a Socialist Europe letter, which was also supported by Corbyn-era frontbencher Clive Lewis. The other parties Beyond the Conservatives and Labour, every other party will oppose the deal. The Brexit-backing DUP will reject the deal because of the settlement on the border, with new administrative burdens for goods passing between Britain and Northern Ireland. The SNP, Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru and Northern Ireland’s Alliance and SDLP will also vote against. * Boris Johnson * Brexit Deal * Keir Starmer Most Popular Fears grow over food shortages as EU truckers avoid UK ports in record numbers BrexitExclusive Two-thirds of Brits would fail the UK citizenship test - would you? UK Here's when the new lockdown measures in England could end, and how they'll be reviewed UK 5 of the most comforting recipes to make in lockdown, from fish pie to stout-braised sausages Food & Drink How a postman called Nathan Evans helped sea shanties like 'The Wellerman' take over TikTok Offbeat The i newsletter latest news and analysis ____________________ Sign upEmail address is invalidEmail address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Essentials * News * Sport * Lifestyle * Culture * Opinion * ibuys Useful links * Contact Us * About * Advertise * Subscribe to i * i competitions * i newsletters * i app * Sitemap Follow us on All rights reserved. © 2020 Associated Newspapers Limited. * Cookie Settings * Don't sell my info * Terms and Conditions * Privacy Policy (BUTTON) Back to top