Corbyn rebels quit as second referendum defeated

THE COMMONS rejected an attempt to secure a second referendum yesterday as fresh Labour divisions were exposed by the vote with the resignation of five frontbenchers.

MPS voted by 334 to 85 votes, a majority of 249, to reject a cross-party motion calling for a second referendum which had been tabled by Sarah Wollaston, the Independent Group MP.

Labour’s leadership told MPS to abstain, arguing that it was time to focus on trying to find a compromise solution and extending Article 50 rather than pushing for a second referendum.

However, five frontbenchers were among the 18 Labour MPS who voted against a second referendum.

They included Ruth Smeeth, who resigned as parliamentary private secretary to deputy leader Tom Watson, and Steph Peacock, who quit as a whip. They were later joined in resigning by Yvonne Fovargue, Emma Lewell-buck and Justin Madders.

Jeremy Corbyn said: “I would like to thank Yvonne, Emma, Ruth, Justin and Stephanie for their service while on the Labour front bench. I understand the difficulties MPS have felt representing the views of their constituents during this process.”

Twenty-five Labour MPS backed the motion but as many as 200 abstained. Sir Keir Starmer, shadow Brexit secretary, faced accusations of “fraud” and “shame” in the Commons when he confirmed Labour would not be supporting the motion.

Defending Labour’s stance, he cited Alastair Campbell, who has campaigned for a so-called “People’s Vote” but said it would be “wrong to press” for a second referendum when the main issue on the Commons agenda was extending Article 50.

“Those pressing this amendment seem to be out of step with the vast majority of co-campaigners, campaigning for exactly the same push,” said Sir Keir. “They may genuinely have a difference of opinion but we will not be supporting [the amendment].”

However, Anna Soubry, the former Tory minister who defected to the Independent Group, said: “This is a betrayal of Labour Party members and voters, Labour MPS, Labour’s conference policy and, most importantly, the British public.”

Ian Blackford, the SNP’S Westminster leader, accused Sir Keir’s party of being “a fraud” for failing to back another referendum.

With Theresa May having suffered two crushing defeats in the past two days, the Labour leadership has faced criticism from MPS for failing to press home its backing for a second referendum.

A Labour motion calling for an extension to Article 50 “to provide parliamentary time for this house to find a majority for a different approach” was defeated by 318 votes to 302.