Sore losers! Lib Dems in call for new EU poll
THE Liberal Democrats were last night accused of hypocrisy for demanding a second referendum on the Brexit deal eventually negotiated by the Government. Leader Tim Farron was accused of not being ‘very liberal or democratic’ after telling his members they were crucial in the fight for Britain’s continued role in Europe.
He told the BBC’s Andrew Marr show yesterday: ‘The deal that will be settled for the future of the United Kingdom’s relationship with Europe – the single market, free movement and everything else – is utterly unclear.
‘I doubt even Theresa May knows. There needs to be a referendum on that deal. That’s the best option for staying in, it’s also the best option for the whole of our society.’
In a heated exchange, former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said to Mr Farron directly: ‘I believe in democracy… do you respect the referendum result?’
Nick Clegg will echo Mr Farron’s comments in a debate at the Lib Dems’ Brighton conference today as members will be asked to endorse a proposal to give the British people a referendum on the final Brexit deal, with the option of remaining in the EU.
Mr Farron will say a vote for a departure is not the same as ‘voting for a destination’. Tory MP Peter Bone said: ‘It is strange they are called the Liberal Democrats when they refuse to accept a democratic decision.
‘There cannot be another referendum on whether we come in or out. It is not very liberal or democratic. There is absolutely no need for a second referendum, in fact it will be ludicrous.’
The motion comes as the party was slammed for calling for a postreferendum truth commission to police what campaigners say in elections and referendums.
The proposal for what was denounced as an ‘Orwellian quango’ has been rejected by electoral authorities but the Lib Dems are pressing ahead with the idea, sponsored by MP Alistair Carmichael.
Tory MP Luke Hall said: ‘This is utter hypocrisy from the Liberal Democrats. The suggestion that the British people were duped into their Brexit decision is a patronising and misguided attempt to undermine the referendum result.Their contempt for the British people they’re meant to serve is appalling.’
Mr Farron said at conference fringe event yesterday that the Lib Dems would pick up disenchanted Labour voters.
‘What I can affect is the growth and rebirth of our party, step into the place where Labour should be, providing a decent opposition across the country, and to be the voice for those people who think, not only Britain should stay in the European Union, but also people of all persuasions who think there should at least be a vote on the deal that comes next,’ he declared.
And in a speech today to the conference he will attack Jeremy Corbyn for failing to stand up for Britain’s membership of the single market.
He will say: ‘The Liberal Democrats demand that the British people should have their say on the final Brexit deal in a referendum.
‘Voting for a departure is not the same as voting for a destination. In the meantime we will fight for the best deal possible – and that means that single market.
‘Jeremy Corbyn has already thrown in the towel. He didn’t make an effort to keep us in Europe… and now he has made clear he won’t fight for our membership of the single market.’
He will call for ‘Blairites’ opposed to Mr Corbyn to join his party as he warns that the Labour civil war left the country open to unopposed Tory rule. He has claimed that he has spoken to Labour MPs about them defecting to his party.