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”.
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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.
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