THERESA May has been accused of cowardice after BANNING MPs from amending expensive plans to fix Parliament.

The move triggered fury among MPs, with Labour MP Chris Bryant blasting: “May’s irresponsible cowardice means Parliament could slide into the Thames or go up in smoke.”

MPs will be given a free vote on the final decision. But for the first time in history they will be blocked from tabling amendments to the Government’s two options for restoring the Palace.

And the refurb could be delayed for more than four years after one of the two options unveiled would only make the most essential work before the next General Election in 2022.

The motion – which will be the first to be voted on in the Commons on 31 January – will allow MPs to indefinitely delay the works by stating the multi-billion project is too expensive to justify at a time of austerity.

If voted through the motion would trigger a review before the end of 2022 into whether there was a need for a “comprehensive works”.

It would allow MPs to reject the refurb plans due to “the demand and burden on public expenditure and fiscal constraints at a time of prudence and restraint”.

A second motion would create a delivery group to consider the options and start the revamp within the next decade.

But no other options will be on offer. The Sun understands that the Government will table a special motion that states the Speaker can’t accept any amendments.

A source said: “It’s a take it or leave it offer. For the first time in history MPs won’t be able to table amendments.”

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Lib Dem MP Tom Brake, who sits on the Commission in charge of Commons maintenance, said: “The first option must be resoundingly defeated.

“With the risk of a catastrophic failure rising as each week goes by, patch and mend is no longer a viable option.

“’If we kick this can down the road any longer, Parliament will fall into the Thames.”

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