ENTHUSIASTIC Eurosceptic Tory MP Ross Thomson has been ridiculed after he told his constituents not to worry about the prospect of food rationing or medicine shortages in the event of a no-deal Brexit, because they’ll be able to buy really powerful vacuum cleaners.
In a series of tweets on Monday, the Aberdeen South MP attacked Theresa May’s Chequers plan for leaving the EU.
The controversial position agreed by cabinet, but which led to the resignation of Boris Johnson and David Davies among others was, Thomson said, “the status quo but with none of the benefits.”
READ: Twitter reacts to Tory MP Ross Thomson's bizarre vacuum claims
He said the proposal to accept a common rule book, and have some form of regulatory alignment with Brussels “would mean signing up bad regulations such as the EU ban on hoovers with motors more powerful than 900w”.
“Having left the EU’s institutions where these rules are decided the U.K. will become a voiceless rule taker,” he added.
The SNP MSP Tom Arthur wearily replied to Thomson: “Sigh. (1) Vacuum cleaner performance isn't dependent upon power rating. (2) The reduction in energy consumption across the EU by 2020 will be equivalent to EIGHT medium-sized power stations. (3) Over 6 million tonnes of CO2 will not be emitted. (4) Consumers will save money.”
While SNP councillor Mhairi Hunter tweeted: “If you hoover more regularly you don't need a vacuum cleaner with a massively powerful motor. Just a wee hint for you there. “ Thomson’s twitter storm also saw the formerly loyal politician viciously attack May.
He tweeted: “The commitments, promises and pledges given either at the dispatch box or in speeches by the PM have now “evolved”. In cute language that means the Chequers plan hands away the prizes of Brexit. We will have the status quo but worse off. It’s not in the country’s best interests.
“Don’t just take my word for it. The Times recently reported that “By more than two to one, voters do not believe [Theresa May’s] plan keeps faith with the referendum result.” Polling since Chequers shows the Conservatives have averaged 37% and not led Labour in a single poll.
“The voters are unhappy with the Chequers Plan and their confidence in the government’s ability to deliver Brexit has plummeted. The people by 17.4m voted for the U.K. to leave the EU. If Brexit is not delivered properly there will be consequences at the ballot box.
“We’re told to back Chequers or we’ll get Corbyn. That’s ridiculous. In reality if we don’t deliver Brexit fully we will lose seats like Mansfield, Middlesbrough, Banff and Buchan and much more. To fail on Brexit will usher in the chaos of Corbyn #ChequersMeansCorbyn”
Thomson is part of Jacob Rees Mogg’s Brexit backing European Research Group, and has been supporter of Boris Johnson ever since he left cabinet.
Thomson’s attack came as May warned her cabinet Labour were planning on using an ancient parliamentary mechanism to prevent Brexit from going ahead next March.
A minister told the Financial Times: “We’ve been told by Number 10 that Labour would try to use the ‘humble address’ as a means to stop us leaving without a deal.”
READ: Twitter reacts to Tory MP Ross Thomson's bizarre vacuum claims
Labour has resorted to a rarely-used ‘humble address’ twice in recent months to force the government to produce documents related to Brexit.
Technically speaking, it is an instruction from the House of Commons that the Queen, through her ministers, perform a specific act.
Downing Street appears to believe that Labour could attempt to use the process in order to extend Article 50, the two-year EU exit process that ends in March next year.
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