The Leave supporter made the surprise decision to walk out on the PM (pictured today with the King of Jordan) fearing Parliament has seized control of the Brexit process
‘The EU will dictate the final humiliation of our country’: Gove’s deputy George Eustice QUITS to vote for no deal if the Brexit plan is defeated for a second time after May’s screeching U-turn on crashing out
George Eustice quit the Government today warning Britain faces ‘humiliation’ at the hands of the EU after Theresa May said MPs could delay Brexit.
The Leave supporter vowed to vote for no deal as he made the surprise decision to walk out on the PM after she handed Parliament more control of the Brexit process.
Mrs May made a screeching U-turn this week to admit if MPs reject her deal a second time by March 12, they will get to vote first on whether to go for no deal on March 13 and, if not, on delaying Brexit on March 14.
In the wake of her concessions Mr Eustice told Mrs May he now wanted to play full part in how Britain leaves the EU and could not do so as a minister having already stayed through ‘a series of rather undignified retreats’.
The MP, who was Michael Gove’s deputy as Environment Secretary, told Mrs May he would vote for her deal when it comes back to Parliament – but said he would then vote to leave with no deal if she loses a second time.
The incendiary resignation will fuel Brexiteer fears ministers expect to be whipped to vote against no deal on March 13 – despite Mrs May insisting no deal is still an option.
In his furious resignation letter, Mr Eustice lashed Remain supporters in Parliament for refusing to respect the referendum result – telling Mrs May she has been ‘terribly undermined’.
He demanded the Government should show ‘courage’ and commit to leaving the EU without a deal if Brussels refuses to make further concessions.
Mr Eustice accused the EU of not acting ‘honorably’ in the talks, deliberately making negotiations ‘slow and difficult’.
In reply, Mrs May said she was ‘very sorry’ to receive the letter and thanked Mr Eustice for five and a half years of ‘exemplary service’.
She welcomed his plan to vote for the deal and added: ‘I agree with you that Parliament must now come together and honour the referendum result by voting for a deal which will give businesses and citizens the certainty they need and deserve.’