Labour and Lib Dems play the blame game
BY TORCUIL CRICHTON Westminster Editor LIB Dem leader Jo Swinson has come under increasing pressure to accept Jeremy Corbyn as a “caretaker” prime minister in order to oust Boris Johnson from office.
The latest meeting of opposition party leaders to try to plot the best way of blocking a no-deal Brexit broke up in acrimony yesterday, with Labour and the Lib Dems blaming each other for a lack of progress.
Labour frontbencher Jon Trickett accused Swinson of “trying to woo disaffected Tories” by opposing Corbyn’s plan to become PM of a unity government. Corbyn’s proposal is to apply for a Brexit extension and then call a general election.
Trickett said: “When it comes to a choice between preventing no-deal or having a socialist as an interim prime minister, Swinson’s Lib Dems appear to have made their choice. They should be forced to explain why.”
A Lib Dem source said: “The position Corbyn is taking is that we can have an emergency government but only if he gets to lead it.
“They know they don’t have the numbers, but their total ● DETAILS of preparations in Scotland for a no-deal Brexit will be unveiled at Holyrood today.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said he still hopes Prime Minister Boris Johnson will rule out the damaging option.
But ahead of a report to MSPs, he added: “As a responsible government, we must do all we can to address its potential impact.
“This report will help the Scottish people understand the risks we face, the efforts we are making to mitigate those risks and where responsibility lies with the UK Government.” unwillingness to work with anyone else makes the Labour Party the biggest barrier to stopping no-deal.”
Nicola Sturgeon, who is demanding a swift election, tweeted her frustration at the process.
She stated: “Both Labour and the Lib Dems need to grow up. Who leads a temporary government that will be in office for just a matter of days is not the key issue. What matters is getting this Tory Government out, securing an extension and then having a general election.”