Forty Pro-EU Conservative MPs will ‘side with Labour’ in Commons ambush and ‘force the Government to spell out Brexit plan’

PRO-EU Conservative MPs plan to side with Labour to force the Government to spell out its Brexit plan, an ex-minister claims.

Anna Soubry said between 20 and 40 Tories may join the Opposition ambush in the Commons.

Labour has tabled a motion calling on the PM “to commit to publishing the Government’s plan for leaving the EU before Article 50 is invoked”.

Remain campaigner Ms Soubry called the Labour move “eminently supportable”.

Bidding No10 to issue a compromise, she added: “If the government doesn’t want us to vote for it, they should give us a reason”.

It comes at a vulnerable moment for the government, as both the PM and Chancellor Philip Hammond will be on diplomatic trips out of the country.

And the government’s wafer thin majority is already down to 13 after losing the Richmond Park by-election last week.

But No10 insisted Theresa May would not give in to the demand.

The PM’s official spokesman said: “We’re not going to set out the terms of our negotiation before we are ready to do so, we have been very clear on that.

“It’s the best way of getting the worst possible deal.”

No10 also slammed Labour and Lib Dem MPs plotting to slap conditions on Article 50’s triggering to accuse them blocking voters’ will.

The PM’s official spokesman said: “While others have seemingly made clear they want to frustrate the will of the British people, the Government is pressing on with it.

“What is important is not having the Government’s hands tied in the negotiation.”