Brexit splits between opposition parties erupt as Jeremy Corbyn urges support for Labour deal
2 min read
Splits between the opposition parties over Brexit have erupted after Jeremy Corbyn urged them to back Labour's plans for leaving the EU.
The Labour boss met with the Westminster leaders of the SNP, Plaid Cymru, Lib Dems and Greens for the first time.
But it soon became clear that the meetingn had broken up without any agreement being reached.
In a statement issued following the talks, a Labour spokesperson said: "Should there not be a majority in parliament for May's deal or a public vote, Corbyn called on the other parties to engage constructively to find a parliamentary majority for a close economic relationship with the EU that can work for the whole country.
But in their own statement, the other parties said: "In the meeting our message was clear, Labour must move to back a public vote, which includes the option to remain, before the window of opportunity closes.
"There is no such thing as a good Brexit – whether it is a Labour or Conservative version of it – jobs, public services and the environment will suffer. Remaining in the EU is the best deal on offer and, with time running out, Labour must now deliver on their promises so that we can avoid a catastrophic Brexit.
SNP leader Ian Blackford said: "If there is to be a hope of giving the people a choice over their future, Labour must stop prevaricating, start fulfilling their duty as the official opposition and prioritise a second EU referendum, with the option to Remain, before it is too late."
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