Today’s political headlines include Tory ministers and backbenchers warn they’ll revolt, more Labour MPs will defect if Corbyn doesn’t back second referendum and the Tories who want Umunna to lead Independent Group.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Tory ministers and backbenchers warn they\u2019ll revolt to support Brexit delay More Labour MPs will defect if Corbyn doesn\u2019t back second referendum Umunna should lead Independent Group, Tory defectors say Minister backs ban on selling scratchcards to 16 and 17 year olds Juncker \u2018not very optimistic\u2019 about Brexit deal chances Prosecutions fall to lowest level ever recorded Joan Ryan reported by Labour for alleged data protection breach Trade deals with Japan and Turkey won\u2019t roll over
\n<\/span><\/strong>The Guardian <\/span><\/em>reports<\/a> that up to 25 ministers may vote for a delay to Brexit next week unless Theresa May rules out a no-deal Brexit. They would not offer to resign, which would force May to decide on whether or not to sack them. The Daily Telegraph <\/span><\/em>has obtained<\/a> a leaked letter in which the 100-strong Brexit Delivery Group of moderate Conservative MPs has warned the Prime Minister that they are prepared to vote to delay Brexit if she doesn\u2019t secure a deal, calling for a free vote on next week\u2019s backbench amendment on a delay.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/strong>According<\/a> to The Times <\/span><\/em>Jeremy Corbyn\u2019s office has been wanted that dozens of Labour MPs could defect to the Independent Group unless he backs plans for a second referendum, including shadow ministers. They are calling on him to back an amendment to next week\u2019s Brexit motion tabled by Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson which calls for such a vote.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/strong>The Daily Telegraph <\/span><\/em>claims<\/a> that two of the Conservative defectors to the Independent Group, Heidi Allen and Anna Soubry, have insisted that Chuka Ummuna should lead the group. Allen told the paper that he would get \u2018the best\u2019 out of the group, although further defections could change that. She also insisted the group wouldn\u2019t become \u2018a home for waifs and strays\u2019 by admitting MPs who left Labour in controversial circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/strong>The Sun<\/span><\/em> reports<\/a> that Sports Minister Mims Davies has suggested that the Government will act \u2018soon\u2019 to ban the sale of scratchcards to 16 and 17 year olds, as well as restricting betting and alcohol brands from advertising on football strips. She insists that the move is \u2018not to stop people having fun\u2019 but to protect the \u2018most vulnerable\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/strong>The Daily Telegraph <\/span><\/em>says<\/a> that the EU has rejected a proposal from the Attorney General, Geoffrey Cox, which would have allowed the UK to leave the backstop without the EU\u2019s consent. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker admitted he was \u2018not very optimistic\u2019 about the chances of a deal, adding that he was suffering from \u2018Brexit fatigue\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/strong>The Times<\/span><\/em> reports<\/a> that prosecutions have fallen to their lowest number since records began nearly 50 years ago, despite increases in recorded crime. Victims\u2019 rights campaigner Harry Fletcher told the paper that the fall was \u2018clearly linked to cuts\u2019, accusing the Government of damaging the \u2018criminal justice system at every stage\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/strong>The Guardian <\/span><\/em>says<\/a> that Joan Ryan has been reported to the Information Commissioner by the Labour Party for accessing party systems after her defection to the Independent Group, a claim which she denies. As a result the party shut down access to two key campaigning tools yesterday.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/strong>The Financial Times <\/span><\/em>reports<\/a> that the Government has confirmed that trade deals with Turkey and Japan will not be rolled over on exit day in the event of a no-deal Brexit, leading to the immediate imposition of tariffs. It also confirmed that it is still in talks with most of the 71 countries covered by EU trade agreements<\/span><\/p>\n