Brexiteer backing of the Prime Minister’s new deal will be decided by eight Eurosceptic lawyers
A star chamber of eight legal experts will examine Theresa May's deal and rule on whether it will allow Britain to escape the controversial Irish backstop
BREXITEER backing for Theresa May’s new deal will rest on the verdict of eight Eurosceptic lawyers who will pass judgment.
The star chamber of legal experts includes Tory Brexiteer MPs Sir Bill Cash and Dominic Raab — who quit as Brexit Secretary over the backstop — and the DUP’s Nigel Dodds.
They will examine the deal and rule on whether it will allow Britain to escape the controversial Irish backstop.
Many of the panel are also members of the pro-Brexit European Research Group.
Their backing would be crucial to turning Conservative Brexit rebels into PM loyalists at the 11th hour.
But their Brexiteer credentials will make them a hard panel to win over.
No 10 is already braced for a row with the chamber, who warn they will not be hurried.
BACKING IS CRUCIAL
But the group will have just hours to pore over details and make up their minds. Sir Bill said: “We’ve previously asked for 48 hours to look at the details. We’re not going to get that now.
“It may be that when we see it, it won’t take very long. But we’re not going to make any pre-judgment.”
He said the panel would be “conferring” as soon as they see the details of the deal.
Other sources said Brexiteers are only concerned with the substance of their legal ruling — and if it will meet their demand that Britain must be able to exit the backstop.
Tory MP Michael Tomlinson, who also sits on the chamber, has said the deal must pass three tests.
First, it must be legally binding — meaning treaty-level change. Second, the language must be clear and precise so MPs know exactly what they are signing up to.
Third, there must be a clear exit mechanism so Britain can leave the backstop.
Tory MP Steve Baker, ERG deputy chairman, said of the committee: “They will analyse this text in detail and look at whether what Geoffrey Cox has achieved would allow us to exit this backstop — or if we will be trapped indefinitely.”
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