Theresa May today pleaded with MPs to put their constituents first and back her Brexit deal - as she dismissed Tory rebel claims that her package is worse than staying in the EU.
The Prime Minister mounted another staunch defence of the settlement she has thrashed out with Brussels, saying it is the 'right' one for the country.
In a BBC phone in, Mrs May warned that EU is not 'going to give us a better deal' if MPs vote down her settlement.
Torpedoing the plan will just lead to 'more division and uncertainty', she said.
Asked repeatedly whether she will resign if she loses in the Commons - as seems inevitable - Mrs May appeared to rue out the prospect: 'No... I'm focusing on ensuring that we get this deal through Parliament.
'I believe this is absolutely the right deal for the UK. This is not about me.'
The comments came after former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab heaped pressure on the PM as she faces 'mission impossible' to get the package through Parliament.
More than half of Tory backbenchers have now publicly declared that they will vote against the deal in a looming Commons showdown next month.
Mrs May repeatedly dodged today when asked whether she has a 'Plan B' for a defeat in Parliament. She also appeared to avoid saying that her blueprint would be 'better' than the current membership terms - suggesting it would be 'different'.
Mrs May insisted none of the Tory rebels who have been trying to oust her - led by Jacob Rees-Mogg - were off her Christmas card list.
The Prime Minister today mounted another staunch defence of the settlement she has thrashed out with Brussels, saying it is the 'right' one for the country
In a BBC phone in, Mrs May warned that EU is not 'going to give us a better deal' if MPs vote down her settlement
Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab (left) heaped pressure on the PM (right) as she faces 'mission impossible' to get the package through Parliament
Tory former minister Phillip Lee (top) and Labour's Pat McFadden seized on the comments by Mr Raab about the attractions of Mrs May's deal
The grim picture comes as Mrs May scrambles to clear the final hurdle in negotiations with the EU - an ambush from Spain over the status of Gibraltar.
The standoff showed little sign of shifting last night with Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez saying the two sides were still 'far apart'. Madrid wants Gibraltar excluded from a future trade pact, with its treatment decided bilaterally with the UK.
Mrs May was savaged by MPs from all sides in a brutal Commons session yesterday, leading one Tory ally to remark privately that getting her plan through looked like 'mission impossible'.
Unless large numbers of MPs switch sides there are fears she could be defeated by well over a hundred votes when the crunch comes in the House next month.
A loss of that magnitude would likely leave No10's fallback option of making MPs vote again in tatters.
Mrs May used her interview today to appeal for MPs to look beyond the Westminster bubble and focus on 'people's jobs'.
'In Parliament there's a lot of focus on who's going to vote for the deal or not, and outside I think people are thinking 'Actually, let's make sure we can get this through and get on with delivering',' she said.
'My job is to persuade people. I believe this is the right deal for the UK. My job is to persuade people in Parliament of that view.
'And I think the job of an MP is actually, when they come to look at voting for this deal, to say to themselves "Does it deliver on what people voted for?" - I believe it does - and secondly, 'What do we need to focus on for our constituents, for people up and down the country?'
'I believe people's jobs, people's futures, the future for their children should be at the forefront of MPs' minds.'
And Mr Raab - who plunged Mrs May into chaos by resigning over the deal last week - waded back in today, saying that the premier need to start thinking about alternatives.
Asked if the PM's deal was worse than remaining in the EU, Mr Raab told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'm not going to advocate staying in the EU.
'But, if you just presented me terms, this deal or EU membership, because we would effectively be bound by the same rules but without the control or voice over them, yes, I think this would be even worse than that.'
The last part of the Brexit deal - sketching out future trade terms after a mooted transition period ends in December 2020 - was dramatically signed off by negotiating teams yesterday.
During furious Commons clashes, the Prime Minister hailed the outcome.
'This is a good deal for our country, for our partners in the EU,' she told MPs. 'It ends free movement once and for all.'
She said a new immigration system would give people access based on 'what they can contribute to the UK', there would be no more 'sending vast sums of money to the EU', and the jurisdiction of the European court will end.
But Eurosceptics condemned the package as a 'costly surrender' and a 'betrayal of Brexit'. Boris Johnson said the inclusion of an Irish border backstop that would lash the UK to EU rules 'makes a complete nonsense of Brexit'.
Former Cabinet ministers Iain Duncan Smith and Owen Paterson, and DUP chief whip Jeffrey Donaldson also insisted the backstop must be scrapped altogether, warning: 'None of this is going to work.'
There was also anger that the issue of access to UK fishing waters appears to have been kicked back to be decided after March.
Remainers accused her of putting the country on course for 'blind Brexit' with vague commitments.
Some 88 Tory MPs have now publicly confirmed they will oppose the Brexit deal in a so-called 'meaningful vote' next month.
Once the 'payroll' of ministers is taken into account, that is over half the party's numbers in the Commons.
With the DUP, Labour, the SNP and Lib Dems also opposed, the prospects for the PM look bleak.
Downing Street is pinning hopes for success on MPs looking at the alternatives of chaos of Brexit being cancelled altogether, and swinging behind Mrs May at the last moment.
However, attention at Westminster has been turning to what happens if she lose the vote - with speculation Mrs May could try again in the New Year.
Allies fear that unless the result is relatively tight she could be so badly damaged she will have to quit. Barring large numbers of MPs changing their minds, the government appears to be on track for humiliating loss by well over a hundred votes.
Boris Johnson said the inclusion of an Irish border backstop that would lash the UK to EU rules 'makes a complete nonsense of Brexit'.
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez (pictured with Mrs May in Brussels last month) said the two sides were still 'far apart'. Madrid wants Gibraltar excluded from a future trade pact, with its treatment decided bilaterally with the UK.
Education Secretary Damian Hinds was sent out to steady the ship today, insisting support for the deal would grow in Parliament.
'The deal that we have on the table is a strong deal. It is a good, balanced deal. As people reflect on what the alternatives are, I think people are going to come to see this is a very good deal for Britain,' he said.
'If we weren't to pass this deal, I think it becomes rather unpredictable what happens next. There is a risk on the one hand beyond that of no Brexit at all - and there are people trying to thwart Brexit - and there is also a risk of no deal.
'Neither of those two things are attractive. This is why I believe this deal, which is a strong deal, will gain more and more traction.'
In concessions designed to help Mrs May get the deal through Parliament, the 26-page future framework document - which is not legally binding - makes clear that Britain will have an 'independent trade policy'.
And it stresses both sides' 'determination to replace the backstop' for the Irish border with alternative plans in future - potentially reviving the 'Max Fac' technological solution favoured by Brexiteers.
The pact confirms that free movement will end, which was claimed as a win for the PM - but also states that the UK will not discriminate between nationals from different EU countries.
There would be visa free travel for all citizens making short trips, which will be a relief for holidaymakers.
How WILL Theresa May get the votes to pass her Brexit Deal through Parliament? The PM could need the support of more than FIFTY hardcore Brexiteers from her own party plus Labour rebels
Theresa May has all-but secured her deal in Brussels but her fight to get it actually in place in time for Brexit day is just beginning.
The 'meaningful vote' on the plans is expected to take place next month to ensure the deal is over its biggest hurdle before the end of the year.
The Prime Minister needs at least 318 votes in the Commons if all 650 MPs turns up - but can probably only be confident of around 230 votes.
The number is less than half because the four Speakers, 7 Sinn Fein MPs and four tellers will not take part.
To win, Mrs May will need to get back around half of the 80 hardcore Tory Brexiteer rebels and secure the support of the 10 DUP MPs.
Even then she will probably still need the help of dozens of Labour MPs to save her deal and possibly her job.
Theresa May will need 318 votes in the Commons if every single MP turns up. She can only rely on about 230 votes - meaning she will need to get back around half of the 80 hardcore Tory Brexiteer rebels and secure the support of the 10 DUP MPs, plus dozens of Labour MPs
This is how the House of Commons might break down:
The Government
Who are they: All members of the Government are the so-called 'payroll' vote and are obliged to follow the whips orders or resign. It includes the Cabinet, all junior ministers, the whips and unpaid parliamentary aides.
How many of them are there? About 150.
What do they want? For the Prime Minister to survive, get her deal and reach exit day with the minimum of fuss.
Many junior ministers want promotion while many of the Cabinet want to be in a position to take the top job when Mrs May goes.
How will they vote? With the Prime Minister.
Brexiteers in the European Research Group (ERG)
Who are they? Led by Jacob Rees-Mogg, the ERG counts Boris Johnson, David Davis and other former ministers including Steve Baker and Iain Duncan Smith.
How many of them are there? Estimates vary on how many members it has. It secured 62 signatures on a letter to the PM in February while Mr Baker has claimed the group has a bloc of 80 Tory MPs willing to vote against May's plans.
The group's deputy leader Mark Francois said today there were at least 40 hard liners who would vote against the deal in all circumstances.
What do they want? The ERG has said Mrs May should abandon her plans for a unique trade deal and instead negotiate a 'Canada plus plus plus' deal.
This is based on a trade deal signed between the EU and Canada in August 2014 that eliminated 98 per cent of tariffs and taxes charged on goods shipped across the Atlantic.
The EU has long said it would be happy to do a deal based on Canada - but warn it would only work for Great Britain and not Northern Ireland.
The ERG say the model can be adapted to work for the whole UK. They say Northern Ireland can be included by using technology on the Irish border to track goods and make sure products which don't meet EU rules do not enter the single market.
They also say it would give complete freedom for Britain to sign new trade deals around the world to replace any losses in trade with the EU.
The group is content to leave the EU without a deal if Brussels will not give in.
How will they vote: Against the Prime Minister.
Moderates in the Brexit Delivery Group (BDG) and other Loyalists
Who are they? A newer group, the BDG counts members from across the Brexit divide inside the Tory Party. It includes former minister Nick Boles and MPs including Remainer Simon Hart and Brexiteer Andrew Percy.
There are also many unaligned Tory MPs who are desperate to talk about anything else.
How many of them are there? There are thought to be around 50 members in the BDG, with a few dozen other MPs loyal to the Prime Minister
What do they want? The BDG prioritises delivering on Brexit and getting to exit day on March 29, 2019, without destroying the Tory Party or the Government. If the PM gets a deal the group will probably vote for it.
It is less interested in the exact form of the deal but many in it have said Mrs May's Chequers plan will not work.
Mr Boles has set out a proposal for Britain to stay in the European Economic Area (EEA) until a free trade deal be negotiated - effectively to leave the EU but stay in close orbit as a member of the single market.
How will they vote? With the Prime Minister.
Unrepentant Remainers in the People's Vote
Who are they? A handful of about five Tory MPs - mostly former ministers - who never supported Brexit and think the failure of politicians to get a deal means Parliament should hand it back to the people. The group includes Anna Soubry, Dominic Grieve and Justine Greening.
What do they want instead? A so-called People's Vote. The exact timing still needs to be sorted out but broadly, the group wants the Article 50 process postponed and a second referendum scheduled.
This would take about six months from start to finish and they group wants Remain as an option on the ballot paper, probably with Mrs May's deal as the alternative.
There are established pro-Remain campaigns born out of the losing Britain Stronger in Europe campaign from 2016. It is supported by Tony Blair, the Liberal Democrats and assorted pro-EU politicians outside the Tory party.
How will they vote? Hard to say for sure. Probably with the Prime Minister if the only other option was no deal.
The DUP
Who are they? The Northern Ireland Party signed up to a 'confidence and supply' agreement with the Conservative Party to prop up the Government.
They are Unionist and say Brexit is good but must not carve Northern Ireland out of the Union.
How many of them are there? 10.
What do they want? A Brexit deal that protects Northern Ireland inside the UK.
How will they vote? Against the Prime Minister if the deal breaches the red line, with the Prime Minister if she can persuade them it does not. The group currently says No.
Labour Loyalists
Who are they? Labour MPs who are loyal to Jeremy Corbyn and willing to follow his whipping orders.
How many of them are there? Between 210 and 240 MPs depending on exactly what Mr Corbyn orders them to do.
What do they want? Labour policy is to demand a general election and if the Government refuses, 'all options are on the table', including a second referendum.
Labour insists it wants a 'jobs first Brexit' that includes a permanent customs union with the EU. It says it is ready to restart negotiations with the EU with a short extension to the Article 50 process.
The party has six tests Mrs May's deal must pass to get Labour votes.
How will they vote? Against the Prime Minister's current deal.
Labour Rebels
Who are they? A mix of MPs totally opposed to Mr Corbyn's leadership, some Labour Leave supporters who want a deal and some MPs who think any deal will do at this point.
How many of them are there? Up to 45 but possibly no more than 20 MPs.
What do they want? An orderly Brexit and to spite Mr Corbyn.
How will they vote? With the Prime Minister.
Other Opposition parties
Who are they? The SNP, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, Green Caroline Lucas and assorted independents.
How many of them are there? About 60 MPs.
How will they vote? Mostly against the Prime Minister - though two of the independents are suspended Tories and two are Brexiteer former Labour MPs.
Linkhienalouca.com
https://hienalouca.com/2018/11/23/raab-says-mays-brexit-deal-is-worse-than-staying-in-the-eu/
Main photo article Theresa May today pleaded with MPs to put their constituents first and back her Brexit deal – as she dismissed Tory rebel claims that her package is worse than staying in the EU.
The Prime Minister mounted another staunch defence of the settlement she has thrashed out with Brussels, saying...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves Online news HienaLouca
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/11/23/13/6557076-6420883-image-a-9_1542979182355.jpg
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