cabinet minister

Phillipson rejected the idea that as a cabinet minister she would have less freedom to challenge the prime minister over government policy.

No fewer than 10 cabinet ministers are addressing this conference from the main stage on Monday.

"It's like being England manager," one cabinet minister jokes.

Other prominent critics include the former Conservative cabinet minister David Davis - who campaigned against Labour's ID card scheme in the 2000s.

Behind the scenes, several cabinet ministers had also been pushing for recognition, with several of them at risk of losing their seats because of anger over Gaza.