Eurosceptic MPs warn ministers they will need a Commons vote on EU 'divorce bill'
1 min read
Pro-Brexit MPs have warned the Government they will face a tough Commons vote if they try to agree a hefty divorce bill with the EU.
It comes after reports suggested the UK would have to offer a payment of around £46bn in order to kickstart trade talks with Brussels.
The financial settlement is one of a number of exit issues which have yet to be resolved, with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier complaining of a lack of progress in talks so far.
Now prominent Eurosceptic MPs are warning ministers they will not be able to make a substantial payment without consulting Parliament first.
Former minister John Redwood told the Sun on Sunday: “The only way UK Ministers could authorise a leaving payment would be to put through an Act of Parliament specifically authorising such an ex gratia payment. I can’t see many Conservative MPs wanting to vote for that.”
His remarks were echoed by Jacob Rees-Mogg, a favourite with Tory grassroots activists.
“Almost certainly there will have to be a vote on any settlement bill," he said.
“The money has to be voted through by parliament and with MPs facing the fury of voters, it cannot be too much money."
Pro-Brexit Labour MP Kate Hoey added: “I suspect a lot of MPs would in principle vote against any excessive payment."
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