Brexit may never happen with parties so split, claims Cable

BREXIT could be scuppered by political squabbles, Sir Vince Cable has said as he vowed to work with Labour and Tory MPS to block Theresa May’s plans for leaving thee-uropean Union.

Sir Vince, who is expected to be the next Liberal Democrat leader, said that he believes that divisions within the Conservative Party and Labour are “so enormous” they could halt Brexit.

The former business secretary claimed that the public will swing behind the Liberal Democrat’s offer to hold a second referendum when they are faced with the economic realities of Brexit.

He told The Andrew Marr Show on BBC One: “I’m beginning to think that Brexit may never happen. I think the problems are so enormous, the divisions within the two major parties are so enormous. I can see a scenario in which this doesn’t happen.

“With the situation deteriorating in the economy – as I think it will, none of us are certain but I think it will – people will realise, well, we didn’t vote to be poorer. And I think the whole question of continued membership will once again arrive.”

The Government will this week face a plot by Labour, the Lib Dems and moderate Tory MPS as it publishes the Great Repeal Bill.

The bill will transfer up to 12,000 European laws and regulations into British law on the day Britain leaves the European Union.

It is likely to prove one of the biggest tests of Mrs May’s authority after her failure to secure an outright majority in the election.

Opposition MPS are preparing to table a series of amendments in the autumn to ensure the European Court of Justice and other EU institutions retain influence over Britain.

They also want to curb the use of secondary legislation – known as Henry VIII clauses – which enable the Government to repeal legislation without further parliamentary scrutiny.

The Government insists that the powers are necessary because of the sheer volume of legislation. They insist any changes will be technical.

Setting out his plans as Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Vince said that there should be higher taxes and announced a review of tuition fees.

He also offered the prospect of a new home for disgruntled Labour MPS who face being forced out over their continued opposition to Jeremy Corbyn.

He said: “We have a generous policy on refugees – we will give them food and accommodation.

“Jeremy Corbyn had a good election. But there is an element of a bubble about it. He is very pro-brexit, a hard Brexit. When that becomes apparent, divisions in the Labour Party will become more clear.”

Owen Paterson, a Tory MP and former cabinet minister, said: “I’m afraid Vince is behind history, we are going to leave, we are on target.”