Don’t crash into a brick wall – put deal to the people, Blair tells May
Former prime minister Tony Blair has said Theresa May should cancel next week’s Brexit vote in parliament and put her deal to the people in a new EU referendum.
Mr Blair said that instead of forcing her plan through against opposition from both Brexiteers and Remainers, the Prime Minister should act as “facilitator” for a compromise which can command a majority in the Commons.
Speaking at a Westminster lunch, the former Labour leader said Mrs May faced the prospect of “hitting a brick wall at speed” in the 11 December “meaningful vote”.
Mr Blair said: “I don’t see what the point is in going down to a huge defeat. But I think that’s a second-order question. The real issue is, is she prepared to work to see what is a compromise that has parliamentary approval?
“My belief is that when that process goes through, she will find that there isn’t one. And if there isn’t one, that’s when my solution becomes more acceptable.”
He said the Prime Minister should have put her Brexit deal to Parliament in a free vote after setting out all the options, “and explicitly said that if a majority of MPS can’t be found for any option for Brexit, then we have to go back to the people”.
Mr Blair rejected claims that there would be widespread anger and possible civil unrest if EU membership were put to the people again.
“It’s a curious thing to go and riot on the street because you’ve been asked for your opinion,” he said.
Mr Blair also warned of the risk to the Union from either the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal or a no-deal exit.
“I’ve always been worried about Brexit in the context of the UK, both for Northern Ireland which I would like to see stay part of the UK, and for Scotland,” Mr Blair said.
“I don’t think necessarily in the short term, but I think in the longer term, if we pull out of Europe, it is a further additionalargument for those who make the case for Scottish independence.
“Where there was a strong majority in Scotland for being part of Europe, particularly amongst younger people, I think it’s a risk.”