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Both groups are expected to discuss tactics for putting pressure on the Prime Minister to scrap significant sections of his proposed EU divorce deal. The meeting in the Commons follows concerns that the Prime Minister’s revised offer to the EU contains a range of commitments that will leave the UK tied into the bloc’s Common Security and Defence Policy that some critics see as the beginning of an EU army. Some Tory MPs have not ruled out voting against the deal in Parliament if the military cooperation clauses are not removed.

Former minister Steve Baker, the chairman of the ERG, said: "Just as Boris is now firmly headed towards an advanced free trade agreement instead of the hated Chequers plan, we must also escape commitments to the EU's Defence Union. "Many of us are concerned but it's not too late to preserve the independence of our Armed Forces." He added: "We have full confidence in the Prime Minister and his determination to take us out properly." A senior military figure is expected to brief ERG members today on the defence implications of the proposed divorce deal, which remain from the original draft deal negotiated by former prime minister Theresa May.

One Veterans for Britain source said: “The Prime Minister may have got rid of the backstop but that was not the only thing that was wrong with the Withdrawal Agreement. “The defence element is a serious threat to our sovereignty but this issue has been completely overlooked.” At present, the divorce deal promises to keep the UK linked to a series of EU military structures including the European Defence Fund, the European Defence Agency and Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). Britain could be forced to pay billions of pounds into EU defence projects and contribute troops and other military assets to Brussels defence units as a result.

Britain must have no part of the EU army

The proud and undefeated British Army