‘Election likelier than referendum’ to decide Brexit standing

A general election is more likely than a second referendum to determine the UK’s position on Brexit, the Scottish Labour leader has said.

Richard Leonard said he is “almost certain” that the UK will leave the EU and that the challenge is to secure the best possible deal for working people.

However, Mr Leonard said the way Brexit negotiations are going at the moment any deal is unlikely to command support at Westminster, which could lead to a general election.

Appearing on BBC Good Morning Scotland, he was asked in what circumstances he would endorse a second referendum on Brexit, an option which Scottish Labour Brexit spokesman Neil Findlay has said they are leaving on the table.

Mr Leonard said: “My own view of it is that there will be a Brexit deal which will go to the Westminster Parliament, and they will decide whether or not that is a sufficient deal or not.

“I suspect it will not command support, looking at the way the negotiations are going at the moment.

“I suspect it will not command support which would in turn, I think, precipitate a general election, so rather than talking about second referenda I think it’s more likely we will be talking about a general election to determine the future direction of the UK’s membership of the EU.”