Labour is set to support a second referendum if amendments backing its own Brexit proposals fail. The party has said it will back the government in any vote on triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which formally starts Britain’s exit from the EU. The amendment relating to its own Brexit plan is to be voted on at the same time as a second amendment calling for Brexit to be delayed to avoid a no-deal departure. Labour will delay the second referendum amendment, however, until after the next vote on Theresa May’s deal, due by 12 March.
Labour is set to support a second referendum if amendments backing its own Brexit proposals fail. The party’s decision is being interpreted as a way of stopping defections to the new Independent Group, and Labour said such a referendum would include a remain option. The amendment relating to its own Brexit plan is to be voted on at the same time as a second amendment calling for Brexit to be delayed to avoid a no-deal departure. Labour will delay the second referendum amendment, however, until after the next vote on Theresa May’s deal, due by 12 March.