Talks with Labour on the brink of collapse
TALKS to resolve the Brexit crisis were heading for the rocks last night after Labour insisted a second referendum must be part of any deal.
Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer warned up to 150 Labour MPs would reject an agreement with the Government that did not include another vote. He said: ‘I’ve made it clear that at this stage – at this 11th hour – any deal that comes through from this Government ought to be subject to the lock of a confirmatory vote.’ Sir Keir, who has taken part in five weeks of the talks, suggested Labour could call time within days if no new offer is forthcoming.
Meanwhile Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson will use a speech today to push for a second referendum. Mrs May has always made clear that a second vote is a red line she is not prepared to cross.
The talks are due to resume today. Education Secretary Damian Hinds said if the negotiations collapse the Government will come back to Parliament with a series of so-called indicative votes – used to test support from MPs on a range of options.