Second Brexit referendum ‘main event’, says Sturgeon ally

Labour risked a damaging split over Brexit as Jeremy Corbyn faced calls to back keeping the UK in the single market.

The party hierarchy was accused of “cowardice” and adopting a “ridiculous” position by telling peers not to support an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill calling on the government to negotiate a Norway-style Brexit within the European Economic Area.

Shadow chancellor John Mcdonnell insisted the party had to seek a “traditional British compromise” balancing the interests of Leave and Remain voters.

But Labour’s Lord Alli, one of the signatories to the amendment, accused the party leadership of “cowardice” and said it was “paralysed by indecision”. One of Nicola Sturgeon’s top allies has called on the SNP to put securing a second referendum on EU membership ahead of any vote on independence.

Noel Dolan, who advised Ms Sturgeon in opposition and government from 2004 to 2016, said the SNP “should focus on the main event – Brexit and not on the consequences. We should be campaigning for a second Brexit referendum”.

Ms Sturgeon said in January the case for a second EU vote “may become irresistible”.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said the SNP “should put independence to one side” and fight for a referendum on the UK’S Brexit deal.