Ministers should 'reach out' to remainers to build Brexit consensus, says MP

Ministers must “give a little bit more” to build a consensus with the 48% of voters who backed Remain, a Conservative former minister has said.

Anna Soubry said if the Government was genuine in “healing the great divide” it should “reach out and do the right thing” by tomorrow to ensure the “right result” is achieved over Brexit.

Ms Soubry’s remarks came ahead of a crunch day on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, with Theresa May’s minority administration facing potential defeat during committee stage day seven over giving MPs a “meaningful vote” on any final Brexit deal.

Tory former attorney general Dominic Grieve has put forward an amendment to the Bill which would require the deal to be approved by a separate act of Parliament.

Ms Soubry criticised some Brexit-supporting colleagues for suggesting those who have tabled amendments were seeking to “thwart” Brexit, noting it was “gravely offensive” and said such an “insult” must stop.