Second referendum on table in compromise talks with Labour

GEOFFREY COX has said ministers will “listen” to demands for a second Brexit referendum, in the strongest sign yet that the Government is ready to blur its negotiating red lines.

The aim of Brexit compromise talks with the Labour Party was to “find common ground”, the Attorney General said yesterday, as he told MPS the Government had entered discussions without any “preconditions”.

David Mundell, the Scottish Secretary, said the Government was “certainly willing” to discuss the merits of a Brexit deal based on the UK being in a customs union.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn suggested the Government was “willing to move” on key issues to strike a deal.

The Labour leader had a “short meeting” yesterday afternoon in Parliament with Theresa May, the Prime Minister, to “check in” on the status of the talks, which continue today. Tory Brexiteers fear they will lead to a softer break from the bloc and rob the UK of an independent trade policy.

Concern is growing among Eurosceptics that Brexit could be stopped entirely if the Government ditches its opposition to a second referendum.

Mr Cox told the Commons the Government was willing to “listen” to calls for another public vote. “The discussions that are currently going forward, with the Labour Party, with the Opposition, are being pursued in good faith,” he said. “There are no preconditions.

“And of course we will listen to any suggestions that are made, whether it be about a second referendum or any other matter, to see if we can find common ground in the interest of the country to leave the European Union as swiftly as possible.”

Mr Mundell suggested that the Government could compromise on the UK being in a customs union with the EU after Brexit – something the Prime Minister has so far resisted.

He told the BBC’S Good Morning Scotland radio programme: “The Government is certainly willing to discuss a customs union, but a customs union would require to command a majority of support in Parliament.”

Talks between the Government and Labour have so far failed to break the Brexit impasse.

Mr Corbyn said he welcomed “indications from the Government that they may be willing to move in the key areas that have prevented the Prime Minister’s deal from being supported” by his side of the house.

“If these talks are to be a success resulting in an agreement that can bring our country back together, the Government will have to compromise,” the Labour leader added.

‘We will listen to any suggestions that are made, about a second referendum or any other matter’