Senior Conservative and Labour MPs have joined forces in an attempt to stop a "no-deal" Brexit. Tory MP Nicky Morgan and Labour's Yvette Cooper have tabled an amendment to the Finance Bill which would limit the government's spending powers in the event of the UK leaving the European Union without a deal. It has the support of Tories Sir Oliver Letwin, Nick Boles and Sarah Wollaston - as well as Hilary Benn, the Labour chairman of the Brexit select committee. Sky's chief political correspondent, Jon Craig, said the amendment "could starve the government of cash and create a Donald Trump-style shutdown" in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay told Sky News he did not think the cross-party action would be "catastrophic and shut down government". He said it was "contradictory" for MPs to seek to block a no-deal Brexit having voted to trigger a two-year countdown to the UK automatically leaving the EU. "Once you've triggered Article 50 there are two options: you either have a deal... or you have no deal," he said. Ms Cooper said: "The risks to our economy and security from no deal are far too high and it would be irresponsible to allow it to happen. "I do not believe parliament would support no deal and ministers should rule it out now. "Time is running out and this is too serious for brinkmanship. "Parliament needs to make sure there are opportunities to stop the country reaching the cliff edge by accident. This amendment helps to do just that." Treasury select committee chairwoman Ms Morgan said: "Many of us have been clear that parliament will not allow a no-deal situation to unfold, and with less than 12 weeks to go until 29 March it is time for parliament to show our opposition to a no-deal exit." A separate measure put down by Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable - which was not picked to go before the Commons - would have prevented ministers from collecting key taxes unless parliament has approved its approach to Brexit. Mr Cable said his amendment had the support of the SNP, Plaid Cymru and Green MP Caroline Lucas, but added Ms Cooper's amendment "is a perfectly sensible proposal and we will get behind it". He told Sky News on Monday some MPs are concerned ministers will "sneak something through". Mr Cable added that it is imperative the government seeks the approval of parliament on Brexit "so the country does not crash over a cliff". After a no-deal Brexit rehearsal on Monday involving 150 lorries in Kent in the event of delays at the port of Dover and Eurotunnel in Folkestone, Theresa May held a cabinet meeting earlier to discuss the continuing Brexit deadlock. A spokesman for the Prime Minister confirmed the meaningful vote on Mrs May's withdrawal agreement with the EU will take place next Tuesday and cabinet ministers' focus was on "what is needed to deliver on the vote next week". More than 200 MPs who signed a letter to the PM urging her to rule out a no-deal Brexit have been invited to meet her at Downing Street later. The political manoeuvring comes at the same time as a government publicity drive including broadcasts on radio and social media to prepare the public for the possibility of no deal.
Conservative MP Oliver Letwin and Labour MP Sarah Wollaston have tabled a Finance Bill amendment limiting the government's spending power should a no-deal Brexit situation occur, potentially bringing about a scenario similar to the current US federal government shutdown. The amendment is backed by Democrat such as Sir Oliver Letwin and Sarah Wollaston , as well as Labour 's Hilary Benn . Liberal Democrat leader Morgan and Cooper's had previously proposed a related measure to prevent certain tax collection if parliamentary approval for Brexit was not sought, but has now said his party will support Vince Cable amendment.