Labour bid for Brexit papers ‘undermines’ Brussels talks

LABOUR was accused of undermining Brexit talks after using an arcane parliamentary procedure in a bid to force ministers to publish sensitive papers.

MPs voted on Wednesday to demand the release of Whitehall’s analysis of how Brexit will affect 58 economic sectors.

But Commons leader Andrea Leadsom yesterday suggested Labour’s move was not in the ‘national interest’.

Asked by MPs about a time limit for the release, she said it is ‘difficult to balance the conflicting obligation to protect the public … through not disclosing information that could harm the national interest … at the same time ensuring the resolution of the House passed yesterday is adhered to’.

Ministers had repeatedly refused to release the studies.

But Labour used a procedure known as a ‘humble address’ to have the documents provided to the Brexit select committee.

Brexit Secretary David Davis said he would meet Hilary Benn, chairman of the committee, to discuss releasing redacted versions. He added: ‘These documents are not some sort of grand plan, they’re data … we will be as open as we can be.’