A group of rebel Tory and DUP MPs have threatened to torpedo Theresa May's breakthrough Brexit transition deal.

Some 14 rebels have written to the Prime Minister to criticise plans that would see full freedom from EU fishing policy delayed until 2021.

The group, including outspoken Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg and the DUP's Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson, all represent coastal communities.

They said the demands already agreed by the Prime Minister are "completely unacceptable and would be rejected by the House of Commons".

Image: Theresa May could have her Brexit deal threatened

Mrs May has a fragile working majority of 13 - with the DUP propping her up to help deliver the Conservatives' vision of Brexit.


The MPs wrote that the historic economic decline in coastal communities could not be "compounded by compromise" when Britain quits the EU.

They said: "It is understandable that our EU neighbours will attempt to frustrate our desire to control our fisheries and will seek to add it to the negotiations.

Dead haddock tipped off 'HMS Brexit'

"It is therefore important that all UK politicians support the UK negotiating team and you as Prime Minister as you deliver on the referendum vote."

It comes after Environment Secretary Michael Gove was forced to defend the transition deal, but admitted the detail on fishing was "sub-optimal".

Meanwhile, Mr Rees-Mogg took part in a protest that saw dead fish dumped into the River Thames outside Parliament to highlight the issue.

Image: Jacob Rees-Mogg signed the letter and led a protest against the deal

In a bid to quash any rebellion, backbenchers flooded into Downing Street for a meeting with the PM to press their concerns.

Mr Gove has urged critics to "keep your eye on the bigger prize" and wait until 2021 when the transition officially ends.