RICHARD Harrington, the UK Business Minister, has accused members of the Tory anti-EU European Research Group of "treachery" over Brexit.
The Watford MP hit out at his Tory colleagues in the ERG, headed by Jacob Rees-Mogg, as he suggested members should defect to Nigel Farage's new party because they were not true Conservatives.
Referring to the ERG, the minister told The House magazine: "The Prime Minister has done a pretty good job of standing up to them up till now but they were drinking champagne to celebrate her losing her deal and I regard that as treachery."
He added: "I read Nigel Farage is setting up a new party called 'Brexit' and if I were them I'd be looking at that, because that seems to reflect their views more than the Conservative Party does.
"They should read carefully what that party's got to offer because they're not Conservatives.
"There are people who are very solid and stringent in their views and if I were they, I would be looking at a party that seems designed for them: Nigel Farage's party."
Mr Harrington, who backed Remain in the referendum, said it would give the ERG pleasure if ministers who shared his views on Brexit resigned.
"If we all resigned what would then happen? If I were in the ERG, it would give me a lot of pleasure to see us resign. But we can't give in to a minority of a minority, which is what the ERG are."
The minister also dismissed the so-called Malthouse Compromise, which is intended to try to bridge Tory divisions on Brexit.
He said: "It's basically regurgitated Canada Plus, which we know is not at all suited to our close relationship with the European Union, plus a bit of glorified number plate recognition kit, which they've got there anyway. It's just fanciful nonsense."
Mr Harrington has previously declared he is happy to be sacked by Theresa May if she objects to him speaking out about the dangers of leaving the EU without an agreement on March 29.
Following the next-steps vote on January 29, he issued the Prime Minister with an ultimatum to come back with a new deal. "We will give her two weeks. But that is it." So far, no new deal has been agreed.
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