Why I defied party orders on Brexit vote

LABOUR MP Emma Lewell-Buck, pictured, says she did “what is right by my constituents” when she defied orders from party leader Jeremy Corbyn and voted against a second Brexit referendum.

The decision meant she had to resign from her role as Shadow Minister for Children in Labour’s front bench team.

But speaking to The Chronicle, the South Shields MP said it was essential to respect the result of the 2016 referendum and press ahead with leaving the EU.

She said: “For me this has always been an issue about the fabric of our country and our faith in democracy.

“I have said all along, if Parliament fails to deliver on what people have asked us to do, we will regret it.”

Ms Lewell-Buck said she might ultimately vote for Theresa May’s proposed Brexit deal, when the Prime Minister brings it back to the House of Commons.

“If it comes down to either voting for Theresa May’s deal, having no deal or not leaving then I’ll end up voting for her deal, because I’ll be backed into a corner.

“That’s not what I want to do and I’m angry with that. I’m angry with the Prime Minister for making a mess of this and putting all of us in this position.

“But ultimately I think we should honour the outcome of the referendum.”

Labour MPs were told to abstain on an amendment calling for another Brexit referendum, in a House of Commons vote on Thursday night.