Rebel MP death threats after defeating May

“Mutiny in the Commons.” “Revenge of the rebels.” “Tory rebellion humiliates PM.”

Reading yesterday’s headlines, you would be forgiven for thinking that there had been a fistfight in Parliament. The truth was not far off. In a dramatic vote on Wednesday, 11 Conservative MPs, nicknamed the Rebel Alliance, helped to vote down the government, disrupting Theresa May’s Brexit plans.

The question was whether MPs should get to vote on whatever Brexit deal May secures. The government had promised that they would get a vote to accept or reject the deal. But Remainers wanted more — the legal right to vote on the details of the deal, not merely approve the final offering.

As the vote approached, the Conservative whips piled pressure on MPs. One MP was reportedly reduced to tears.

And for nothing: the government lost by four votes, embarrassing May just as she left for an EU meeting in Brussels. Leavers were furious. “Proud of yourselves?” the Daily Mail’s front page asked the rebels.

Late yesterday the leader of the rebels, Conservative MP Dominic Grieve, disclosed that he had received death threats and had reported them to police.

In general, party leaders expect their MPs to vote in accordance with party policy in parliamentary debates. They employ whips: members whose job it is to ensure that party MPs fall into line. Yet MPs also have a duty to their constituents who elect them, to the wider country and to their own moral principles. Grieve argues that he was putting his country’s interests before his party’s by voting as he did. Those who vote against their own party risk being barred from promotion.

Contentious debates can trigger big rebellions. The largest revolt in modern history occurred in 2003, when 139 Labour MPs refused to back Tony Blair’s invasion of Iraq.

Rebellions are becoming ever more frequent partly because parties have recently been split by huge issues like coalition and Brexit. But also 24/7 news and social media encourage MPs to make their mark by being opinionated.

Should we welcome the era of the rebel?

Rebels with a cause

No, say some. In elections, people choose a party and a manifesto. If MPs act disloyally, voting against their leaders, they just weaken their party and undermine public trust in politicians. Thanks to Wednesday’s rebels, May now has even less authority in Brussels. Stability must come first in politics – especially in these chaotic times.

Not true, reply others. People elect MPs to do what they think is in the country’s best interest. Parties are broad churches: they are not, and should not, be united on every issue. When there is disagreement, MPs must vote according to their conscience. Proud of themselves? The Rebel Alliance should be.