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Pro-Brexit Tories warn Osborne over emergency 'punishment' budget

Furious pro-Brexit Tories have warned they will block any attempt by George Osborne to impose an emergency "punishment" Budget if there is a vote to leave the European Union - with one backbencher calling on him to resign now.

Fifty-seven Conservative MPs have signed a statement warning that the Chancellor's position would be "untenable" if he tries to push through tax cuts aimed at filling a £30 billion "black hole" in the public finances which ministers say would emerge if Britain pulled out of the EU.

But a defiant Mr Osborne insisted he would have no choice but to act to prevent "chaos" in the public finances and "huge" economic instability.

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George Osborne defends Brexit budget amid backlash

George Osborne appeared alongside former Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling. Credit: ITV News

George Osborne has defended his stance on creating the Brexit budget.

Pro-Brexit Tory campaigners have reacted angrily to the financial implications the Chancellor has suggested in his manifesto, but when questioned by ITV News political editor Robert Peston, Mr Osborne said the EU vote was more important than his own career.

He said: "It's not about one politician or one career, it's about the future of our country.

"What's the point in getting involved in public life if you're not prepared to fight for the things that are really important to our future and our country?"

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