Alexis Tsipras battles own MPs over Greek bailout deal

Greek prime minister in talks with own MPs amid speculation he could be forced to form a national unity government and sideline leftwing Syriza faction

A beleaguered Alexis Tsipras was locked in talks on Tuesday with his own MPs amid speculation that the Greek prime minister could be forced to form a national unity government to push through the draconian bailout deal imposed by Brussels on debt-stricken Greece.

Facing a rebellion over the terms of a fresh a86bn (61bn) rescue package, Tsipras has considered sidelining the increasingly belligerent leftwing faction in Syriza in favour of a broader coalition to push through spending cuts and painful reforms.

Britain is not in the euro, so the idea that British taxpayers will be on the line for this Greek deal is a complete non-starter. The eurozone needs to foot its own bill.

Related: Athens parliament: where do MPs stand over the Greek bailout deal?

"It is clear to all of Europe that [on Monday] a coup happened in the heart of Europe.

The PM was blackmailed into signing a very different agreement. And this coup is continuing here in Greece where people want the government to fall."