Theresa May’s allies in the DUP stepped up their hardline opposition to her Brexit deal today by saying they were “more alarmed” than ever about it.
In a further blow to the Prime Minister’s chances of winning a Commons vote on January 15 or 16, DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson replied “no, there is not” when asked if there was any way his party could vote for her deal.
“In fact, we are more alarmed at what is coming out from the EU and especially the Irish government,” he told the BBC’s Today programme.
Officials close to the Prime Minister admit there has been no break- through in talks between Mrs May and other EU leaders that could help swing the Commons vote in her favour.
One said it was “very difficult” to see how the Irish border backstop issue that has triggered a major rebellion by the DUP and dozens of Conservatives could be resolved in time.
But some MPs saw signs of a possible shift after German chancellor Angela Merkel instigated a 40-minute phone call with Irish premier Leo Varadkar yesterday.
Mrs May is considering a Sunday TV interview in a bid to kickstart the agenda for next week when the Commons returns.
