How Labour’s ‘compromise plan’ could help May’s Brexit deal pass
Backbencher amendment would mean party abstains on deal in return for second referendum

Labour is edging towards a “compromise plan” that would allow the prime minister’s Brexit deal to pass but make clear that the Commons “withholds support” until it has been put to a public vote, according to party sources.
The Guardian says the party leadership approves of a redrafted amendment proposed by backbenchers Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson, which would see the party abstain on Theresa May's deal in return for a second referendum.
Initially, senior Labour figures disapproved of the plan as they felt it implied backing for May’s deal and a Tory Brexit. However, with the text now making clear MPs were “withholding support” until there is a so-called people’s vote, Kyle believes it “ticks every single box and is the only credible proposal on the table right now”.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
He added: “The amendment is full square within the policy and stated objectives of Jeremy and the party on a second referendum.”
Kyle believes a number of Conservative MPs will also support his plan. “I have every reason to believe that this will get the necessary support when the time comes,” he said.
The development comes days after Jeremy Corbyn said Labour would back a second EU referendum after his alternative Brexit plan was defeated in the House of Commons. The Labour leader said: “We will back a public vote in order to prevent a damaging Tory Brexit or a disastrous no-deal outcome.”
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Labour could make significant gains if Britain takes part in this year’s European elections because of a delay to Brexit. A poll for Politico found Labour polled at 37%, up from from the 25.4% in the 2014 election.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How will the next pope change the Catholic Church?
Talking Points Conclaves can be unpredictable
By Joel Mathis, The Week US
-
Conspiracy theorists circle again following RFK file release
The Explainer Both RFK and his brother, President John F. Kennedy, have been the subjects of conspiracies
By Justin Klawans, The Week US
-
7 equestrian activities for when you feel like horsin' around
The Week Recommends These graceful animals make any experience better
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
Did China sabotage British Steel?
Today's Big Question Emergency situation at Scunthorpe blast furnaces could be due to 'neglect', but caution needed, says business secretary
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
What is Starmer's £33m plan to smash 'vile' Channel migration gangs?
Today's Big Question PM lays out plan to tackle migration gangs like international terrorism, with cooperation across countries and enhanced police powers
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
The tribes battling it out in Keir Starmer's Labour Party
The Explainer From the soft left to his unruly new MPs, Keir Starmer is already facing challenges from some sections of the Labour Party
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
Are we on the brink of a recession?
Today's Big Question Britain's shrinking economy is likely to upend Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement spending plans
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
Has Starmer put Britain back on the world stage?
Talking Point UK takes leading role in Europe on Ukraine and Starmer praised as credible 'bridge' with the US under Trump
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Left on read: Labour's WhatsApp dilemma
Talking Point Andrew Gwynne has been sacked as health minister over messages posted in a Labour WhatsApp group
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
Peter Mandelson: can he make special relationship great again?
In the Spotlight New Labour architect, picked for his 'guile, expertise in world affairs and trade issues, and networking skills', on a mission to woo Donald Trump
By The Week UK
-
Will Keir Starmer have to choose between the EU and the US?
Today's Big Question Starmer's 'reset' with the EU will focus on 'defence for trade' but an 'EU-hating' president in the White House could cause the PM trouble
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK