Fewer than 250 Tory MPs backed the Government’s Brexit negotiating strategy on Thursday with both Leave and Remain supporters voting against it. Prominent members of the eurosceptic European Research Group (ERG) abstained in large numbers. Professor Tim Bale said: “It means Mrs May shouldn’t place any faith in the ERG – or vice versa.” The defeat, he says, makes it even more difficult for the Prime Minister to persuade the European Union “that concessions on the backstop will guarantee a deal”. “If anyone thinks that will stop her trying, though, they’re probably mistaken. Mrs May will carry on regardless.”
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