Keir Starmer’s backbench MPs could defy the whips in a vote on Friday (Image: Getty)
Labour MPs who vote for a climate bill risk losing the whip, the Express understands.
Sir ‘s backbenchers have been warned not to defy the party by voting for the Climate and Nature Bill.
The Private Members Bill – which will be debated on Friday – is supported by 195 MPs, including 90 Labour MPs.
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Private members’ bills require at least 100 MPs to be present for a vote to be called, yet Labour MPs say ministers have been encouraging backbench MPs to talk out the bill with long speeches.
Labour MP are said to have been instructed to be in Westminster on Friday, when most usually return to their constituencies.
It is not yet clear if they will be ordered to vote against or abstain on the Bill which sets out proposals to strengthen Britain’s emission reduction targets, protect nature and ensure the public have their say on the Government’s net zero and nature restoration plans.
Earlier this week, Government figures are said to have ordered four ministers to renege their support for the Bill and cut ties with the Zero Hour environmental campaigners champioing the Bill ahead of Friday’s vote.
They include Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones and Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh.
The Labour Party in opposition supported the “ambition and objectives” of the Bill but MPs say instructions from Government whips to not support the Bill puts it in jeopardy.