Yes, the Times is reporting the same (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/theresa-may-accused-of-bribery-with-1bn-to-help-towns-m8m8tbwfc - paywall):"Theresa May was accused last night of trying to bribe Labour MPs to back her Brexit deal in the Commons after she announced a £1.6 billion fund for struggling communities.The prime minister declared that “prosperity has been unfairly spread” as she revealed details of the Stronger Towns Fund, which she claimed would create jobs, help to train local people and increase economic activity.Her comments triggered a backlash from across the political spectrum. Some Conservatives were angry that the money would go mainly to Labour-held areas, and the opposition front bench accused her of attempted bribery to win backing for her Brexit agreement."And:"The largest sum, £281 million, will go to the northwest, where 54 Labour MPs were elected in 2017 and 20 Conservatives won seats. The smallest sum, £25 million, will go to the east of England, where the Tories won 50 seats at the last general election compared with Labour’s seven. The money will be distributed by Local Enterprise Partnerships, which some Tory MPs have campaigned to abolish.Mrs May has been holding private meetings with Labour MPs including John Mann, Caroline Flint and Lisa Nandy, who are considering backing her Brexit deal and had urged her to set up such a fund."Crude, blatant corruption!
Richard Carter ● 2810d