MPs must end Brexit standstill

THE clock ticks closer to Britain’s exit from the European Union, and no one is any the wiser.

Last week’s jostling for position, the flurry of letters – it was the usual one step forward and two steps back.

Jeremy Corbyn, in his infinite wisdom, offered a hand to Theresa May which she pushed back with her response last night.

It’s as though neither of them have actually listened to what the EU has been saying for the past two years.

The Government and the official opposition have failed to find a way forward that can attract majority support in the Commons. The SNP, like Lib Dems, hold out for an escape route.

Ian Blackford, the SNP’s Westminster chief, tried again last night to dragoon Scottish Labour into that line.

But time is running out. To get a second referendum, the rest of Europe would have to agree to a delay.

Getting that breathing space would be a relief to anyone who sees this shambles for what it is. But it also risks subjecting voters to this paralysis for even longer with no real solution in sight.

No one, Remain or Leave, put an X on the ballot paper in the hope of living through this national embarrassment.

MPs will “debate” May’s proposal again this week – essentially groundhog day for politicians.

Perhaps this is the “special place in hell” Donald Tusk was talking about last week.

MPs desperately need to find a way out of this crisis – and stop dragging the rest of us down with them. LABOUR TOLD STAND UP FOR SCOTLAND–PAGE 4