Tuesday newspaper round-up: Brexit, Patisserie Valerie, Rolls-Royce, Apple

Up to 40 members of the government will resign next week if Conservative MPs are banned from voting for a plan to stop a no-deal Brexit, No 10 has been told. Amber Rudd, the work and pensions secretary, has demanded that all Tory MPs are allowed a free vote on plans that would clear the path for extending Article 50 — the mechanism by which Britain leaves the European Union. - The Times

North-east England would suffer the biggest decline in economic output of any UK region by the middle of the 2030s if the country leaves the EU without a deal, according to an analysis of government figures by Britain’s leading business lobby group. The Confederation of British Industry said the region could be among the hardest hit by a no-deal Brexit in less than 70 days’ time given the high percentage of exports of goods to the EU compared with other parts of the country. - Guardian

Labour moved closer to supporting a new EU referendum last night, saying that MPs should vote between its proposed deal or going back to the public. The party has tabled an amendment which instructs the government to rule out a no-deal Brexit and allow the Commons to choose between Labour’s proposals and a public vote. - The Times

Lenders to Patisserie Valerie fear multimillion-pound loans will be almost completely wiped out by the potential collapse of Luke Johnson's troubled bakery chain. HSBC and Barclays have no security over Patisserie Valerie's assets, meaning that if is forced into insolvency by an accounting scandal, loans of almost £10m will rank no higher than suppliers and other creditors. - Telegraph

A US activist investor has hailed the shock exit of Just Eat chief executive Peter Plumb, who will pocket a £750,000 golden goodbye after just 16 months at the helm. Cat Rock Capital said Mr Plumb’s departure, which takes place with immediate effect, represented the board’s “recognition” that “change is badly needed at Just Eat”. - Telegraph

Rolls-Royce has made a fresh play to secure a central role in Britain’s nuclear revival, pitching its equipment for use in the proposed Chinese plant in Essex. The engineering giant has approached China General Nuclear (CGN) to propose using its control systems at the Bradwell plant instead of the Chinese company’s own kit. - The Times

A multi-billion dollar plan by Ineos to snap up North Sea oil fields from US major ConocoPhillips have been delayed yet again amid ongoing oil price jitters. The chemicals giant, owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has been forced to extend talks with Conoco for a second time as the pair struggle to agree a price for a package of North Sea fields. - Telegraph

Tesla has the go-ahead to start selling its cheapest and most popular model in Europe, which is likely to spook established premium carmakers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The American electric carmaker, run by the billionaire Elon Musk, was given authorisation by RDW, the Dutch vehicle authority, to start selling its Model 3 yesterday. - The Times

Apple has quietly resumed selling its cheap and popular iPhone SE amid a slump in the sales of more expensive models. The SE was the company’s cheapest phone and had been ditched in September last year as it promoted models such as the XS, which costs about £1,000. - The Times