Blackley’s MP backs Tory Government again in crucial

Graham Stringer last night voted with Theresa May's government to prevent parliament from taking steps to prevent a no-deal Brexit by extending the article 50 negotiating period in order to agree an alternative deal with the EU. The former Manchester City Council Leaser joined with other veteran Eurosceptics Kate Hoey, and Dennis Skinner and 11 other Labour MP's in voting down Yvette Cooper's amendment by 321 votes to 298.

Their votes helped cancel out those of 17 Conservative rebels who voted for Cooper's amendment, which Labour's frontbench had decided it would support earlier in the day to "reduce the threat of the chaos of a no deal". The aim of the motion was to ensure that parliament had the right to vote on whether to extend article 50 if time ran out.

Iain Donaldson, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Blackley and Broughton told Focus "Graham Stringer voting with the Tories against the Labour whip is nothing new. On Brexit, as on climate change, Mr Stringer is on the wrong side of the argument. By allowing Mrs May these victories he is damaging our city and putting jobs at risk."

Mr Stringer also voted with the Conservatives Sir Graham Brady's amendment to scrap the Northern Irish backstop, which is designed to ensure borderless trade and passage between Northern Ireland and Eire.

Iain Donaldson added "In siding with Arlene Foster's Unionists in calling for the backstop to be removed, Mr Stringer is playing a very dangerous game. There are many of us here in Manchester, from Irish backgrounds or not,who know full well what the consequences of re-establishing an Irish Border will be."

Downing Street is expected to concentrate attention on Mr Stringer and the group of Labour MPs, because they may be needed to help May get any final Brexit deal approved.