Opposition accuses May of trying to bribe MPs

The British government announced yesterday that it will allocate 1.6 billion towards helping the most deprived cities in the country, a gesture that has been received with much criticism from the opposition. The shadow chancellor John McDonell said that this money shows the “desperation” of a government reduced to bribing MPs to vote in favour of Prime Minister Theresa May’s “detrimental” Brexit pact.

Conversely the communities minister, James Brokenshire of the Conservative party, said that the funds are to be distributed regardless of the result of the vote on the European Union exit agreement. “This funding is there regardless of the outcome but obviously we want to see a deal happening, we believe that is what is in the best interests of our country” said Brokenshire.

In addition to the allegations that this measure is being used to “bribe” MPs representing deprived constituencies (which, for the most part, voted in favour of leaving the EU) criticism was also levelled regarding the amount of aid offered. Labor MP Alex Sobel, a supporter of a second Brexit referendum, said that this money is a “drop in the ocean” compared to the cost of leaving the EU. Before March 12, parliament will vote on the Brexit agreement May agreed on with Brussels.