Independent Group rebels will meet the Lib Dems for weekly talks on Brexit

Rebel MPs from the Independent Group will formally meet the Liberal Democrats to discuss Brexit.

The talks will raise the prospect of the two groups joining forces in the House of Commons as it takes a series of crucial votes on Britain’s departure from the EU.

A party source confirmed the Lib Dems, with 11 MPs, will stage weekly meetings with the Independent Group, which is formed of 11 ex-Tory and ex-Labour MPs.

If the 22 MPs were to secure an agreement to frustrate Brexit – for example, by demanding another referendum – it could cause huge problems for Theresa May as she attempts to win backing for her deal.

Change of scenery: Independent MPs (front L-R) Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen and Anna Soubry pose with former Labour Party members of The Independent Group of MPs, Joan Ryan (front row R), (middle row L-R) Angela Smith, Luciana Berger, Ann Coffey (top row L-R) Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna and Mike Gapes

Change of scenery: Independent MPs (front L-R) Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen and Anna Soubry pose with former Labour Party members of The Independent Group of MPs, Joan Ryan (front row R), (middle row L-R) Angela Smith, Luciana Berger, Ann Coffey (top row L-R) Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna and Mike Gapes

Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable today made overtures to the splinter group and even pledged not to stand candidates against them in general elections.

The Independents share their anti-Brexit stance with the Lib Dems. A party source said they would now share whipping information and party resources where possible.

The source said they expected there would be some sort of joint Brexit agreement with the group.

Sir Vince said: ‘We will hold out the hand of friendship to the Independent MPs with whom we already have a good working relationship.

‘In the short term we will be concentrating on securing a People’s Vote, with an option to stay.’

He also hinted at a possible electoral pact, telling the BBC: ‘It would be foolish for my party and this Independent Group to fight with each other and compete with each other in elections. The first-past-the-post system means that we would damage each other very badly. It would be a foolish thing to do, so we have to co-operate.’

He added: ‘We totally share their views about Brexit. We are going to have to work with them and others to make sure the damage that Brexit could do is stopped.’

Questions have been raised about what sort of policies the new Independent Group of MPs could offer, and where they stand ideologically.

The first divisions emerged yesterday after Anna

read more from dailymail.....

PREV Silver Pearl Chinese restaurant issues grovelling apology to influencers after ... trends now
NEXT Inside cops' harrowing fight to get their jobs back after being sacked for ... trends now