Minister turns on Brexiteers who ‘never, ever stop complaining’
The Prime Minister may have rebuffed attempts to oust her, but Tory in-fighting over Europe has continued unabated.
Arch-Brexiteer and European Research Group leader Jacob Rees-Mogg led calls for Theresa May to step down after the vote, pointing out that she had lost the confidence of more than a third of her MPs and a majority of her backbenchers.
But her supporters hit back, with the rift spilling out onto social media.
Foreign minister Alistair Burt tweeted: “They never, ever stop. Votes against them, letters going in late – nothing matters to ERG .
“After the apocalypse, all that will be left will be ants and Tory MPs complaining about Europe and their leader.”
They never, ever stop. Votes against them, letters going in late- nothing matters to ERG. After the apocalypse, all that will be left will be ants and Tory MPs complaining about Europe and their leader. https://t.co/n3Jt04CjJe
— Alistair Burt (@AlistairBurtUK) December 12, 2018
Business Secretary Greg Clark posted that “now the PM’s position is confirmed MPs must move from being critics to being responsible participants”.
He added: “No one wants a crash out, so we must now come together to agree a deal that works & supports jobs and industries across our country.”
Now the PM’s position is confirmed MPs must move from being critics to being responsible participants. No one wants a crash out, so we must now come together to agree a deal that works & supports jobs and industries across our country
— Greg Clark (@GregClarkMP) December 12, 2018
Former communities and local government secretary Eric Pickles also threw his weight behind Mrs May, stating on Twitter that the “sensible thing” is for all Tories to support the Prime Minister.
“There must be no recriminations. Let’s all work to deliver Brexit for the British people. To do otherwise plays into Corbyn’s hands,” he added.
The sensible thing now is for all Conservative MPs is to support the PM. There must be no recriminations. Let’s all work to deliver Brexit for the British people. To do otherwise plays into Corbyn”s hands
— Eric Pickles (@EricPickles) December 12, 2018
Braintree MP James Cleverly tweeted: “Some colleagues, perhaps out of frustration, saying foolish things about other Conservatives.
“Now would be a good time to stop.
“Respect the results of the two referendums; 52% to leave the EU and 63% to support Theresa May. There’s work to do.”
Some colleagues, perhaps out of frustration, saying foolish things about other Conservatives.
Now would be a good time to stop.
Respect the results of the two referendums; 52% to leave the EU and 63% to support @theresa_may
There’s work to do.
— James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) December 13, 2018
