Walk down a corridor in the Palace of Westminster today and you’ll likely be taken aside by a Tory backbencher who wants to vent their frustration about Britain opting back into the European Arrest Warrant. At the moment, the mood is of concern rather than rebellion — a reflection of the fact that Tory MPs are in a fairly positive frame of mind after a good couple of political weeks for the party. But what should alarm Downing Street is that it isn’t just the usual Eurosceptic crowd expressing concern. Indeed, some of those who are most concerned are those who David Cameron has relied on recently to defend his European policy.
Off the record, Number 10’s view is that with Theresa May’s help they can avoid a full-on row. More than one person has said to me, ‘Theresa’ share price is so high after Abu Qatada that she can weather this.’
The accuracy of this prediction will be tested tonight. I understand that May is addressing the 1922 Committee. On Sunday morning, one would have expected this to be a victory parade with much thumping of desks. But now it could turn into something far more tricky.
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