'What the f*** is going on?' Tory MPs create new Whatapp group as Brexit frustrations grow
TORY MPs have created a Whatsapp group called "What the f*** is going on?" at the end of a tumultuous week in Westminster.
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The Government has admitted its Brexit strategy is a breach of international law, as well as imposing tough new restrictions aimed at preventing a second wave of COVID-19, with a large minority of MPs in each case voicing their discomfort. Steve Swinford, The Times' deputy political editor revealed the colourfully titled group.
Frustration on the backbenches has been noticeable in recent days, with Bob Neill, the member for Bromley and Chislehurst, tabling an amendment which could derail Mr Johnson's Internal Market Bill, the legislation the Prime Minister wants to use to override aspects of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Additionally, the rolling out of new rules banning gathering of more than six people - the so-called rule of six - has also prompted significant consternation, not least because there appears to be widespread confusion with respect to what is and is not permitted.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis put the cat among the pigeons earlier this week after admitting the Government's plans broke international rules, with MPs concerned about the UK's international reputation as a result.
In a conference call with MPs yesterday, Mr Johnson said: "I wanted you to hear from me directly about the UK Internal Market Bill.
"This is a very important bill for our country and I want to explain why we’re putting some notwithstanding clauses into the part about Northern Ireland.
"These are absolutely vital to protecting the integrity of our country and they’re vital if we want to prevent a foreign or international body from having the power to break up our country."
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In a perfect illustration of the sense of chaos sweeping through Westminster, internet problems then interrupted Mr Johnson's connection, according to multiple reports.
Michael Fabricant apparently began singing Rule Britannia, with one MP telling The Times: "I muted the whole call at that point."
Steve Baker, the former chairman of the eurosceptic European Research Group (ERG) then jokingly offered to chair the call.
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This in turn prompted ex-Prime Minister Theresa May simply to reply: "No."
Mrs May was also reported to look "slightly angry" later one, when Mr Johnson said he wanted no repetition of the "squabbling" witnessed last autumn, in the final days of her Premiership.
With respect to the coronavirus, the cabinet was apparently split between a rule of six and a rule of eight.
Mr Johnson did not express a clear view and several ministers confused about what would and would not be allowed.
Mr Baker also weighed in on COVID-19, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think it is now time to say that this is not a fit legal environment for the British people.
"It’s time to move to a voluntary system – unless the Government can demonstrate otherwise.
"And it is time for us to actually start living like a free people, not subjecting ourselves to constantly shifting legal requirements, which I think now no one can fully understand.”
He said: "It seems to me the effect of having COVID marshals will be to turn every public space in Britain into the equivalent of going through airport security where we are badgered and directed. I’m not willing to live like this."
Fellow Tory Desmond Swayne, speaking to TimesRadio, said: "It is an intrusion into family life, to individual liberty, right of association and also we’re threatened with marshals in our streets.
"What powers are they going to have to direct us and order us to do things that we’d otherwise not wish to do?"