Rees-Mogg denies 'behaving like Russia' on Brexit Jacob Rees-Mogg denies "vetoing things" he doesn't like when it comes to Brexit, amid criticism from fellow Conservatives.

Rees-Mogg: 'May is incredibly dutiful'

The dust has barely settled on the local elections, but the Prime Minister has a new battle on her hands.

Tensions rose after former Cabinet minister Justine Greening accused MPs in the European Research Group of behaving like Russia by vetoing Theresa May's customs plans.

She had been speaking after the 60-strong ERG issued an ultimatum to the Prime Minister over the EU's customs union.

But the group's leader has hit back.

Image: Mr Rees-Mogg praised Mrs May's abilities as leader

In an exclusive interview with Kay Burley, Jacob Rees-Mogg said they were simply encouraging the government to keep its promises.


He told Sky News: "I have no authority to veto anything.

"I'm a backbench Tory MP.

"The Conservative manifesto said that we would leave the customs union and we would leave the single market.

"I believe that politicians should implement the promises that they've given in manifestos.

"So all I've been doing - and other members of the European Research Group have been doing - is encouraging the government to stick to the promises it has made and the Prime Minister Theresa May has made very clear in her various speeches, whether it's the Lancaster House, Florence or Mansion House speech.

"So we are very consistent with government policy, we are supporting the government implementing its policy in the face of a lot of opposition from other sources, particularly at the moment the House of Lords."

He added that it would be "bizarre to think she would retreat from that promise [leaving the customs union]" and that he "doesn't think she's going to".

Image: Justine Greening has criticised Mr Rees-Mogg over Brexit

Ms Greening had said she was concerned the committee will out-vote the PM on the issue, adding it is "out of step" with the parliamentary party as a whole.

She added: "I think it's time for the moderates in the party like myself to work with the prime minister on a sensible approach to the customs policy and a broader package and then make sure this is something we can get through Parliament."

Mrs May has been steadfast in her stance that there will be no customs union post-Brexit, but she is struggling to reconcile the demands of warring Brexiteers and Remainers while avoiding more Cabinet resignations.

She also faces problems on her backbenches, with pro-Remain Tory rebels threatening to vote with Labour and other opposition parties in the Commons to stay in the customs union.

Mr Rees-Mogg praised Mrs May as a "very remarkable person".

He added: "She is a formidable leader with great abilities.

"That's why I'm supporting her and supporting what she promised to do."

:: You can see Jacob Rees Mogg full interview with Kay Burley on Sky News later today at 1.30pm and 6.30pm - and former Cabinet minister Justine Greening will be a guest on Ridge on Sunday from 10am