|
|
Moderate Conservative MPs had feared their party would be reshaped by an influx of hardline Eurosceptics, but such predictions have failed to materialise, partly because the Tories only gained large numbers of target seats in Remain-supporting Scotland.
Conservative head office also appeared to block some anti-EU campaigners, including Daniel Hannan MEP, from becoming candidates.
Since the election, the chancellor Philip Hammond and the Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson have led a push for a Brexit deal that prioritises business and jobs.
According to the FT’s analysis, 176 of the 317 Conservative MPs backed Remain. The figures do not include John Bercow, the Speaker, who voted Remain.
Although the majority, like Mrs May and Mr Hammond, now say there is no turning back from Brexit, many are likely to be less committed to a strict interpretation of the referendum result.
Potential compromises include the UK accepting an arrangement similar to the European customs union, and continuing to give preference to migrants from the EU. [...]
Full article on Financial Times (subscription required)