MPs to back ‘truly meaningful vote’ amendment in Brexit bill
2 min read
A cross-party group of MPs are pushing for an amendment that would enshrine the promise of a "truly meaningful vote" on the final Brexit deal into law.
The measure, to be brought forward by former Conservative minister Dominic Grieve, could mark an embarrassing first Commons defeat for Theresa May on Brexit – just days before she flies to Brussels for crucial talks with EU 27 leaders.
The Observer reported leading Tory rebels believe they have high chance of securing the vote, in a move the MPs say is about putting “the national interest, not party politics, first”.
In a joint statement on Saturday night, senior figures from across the Commons told the paper: "It has been said that in the EU referendum last year, the British people voted to 'take back control' of our laws.
“For many, that meant a powerful reassertion of parliamentary sovereignty.
"Members of all parties have already provided valuable scrutiny... but little of that will matter unless we can have a truly meaningful vote on the withdrawal agreement the government negotiates with the European Union."
The statement added: "We understand the pressures colleagues face to vote 'the right way'. [But] let us stand up for the sovereignty of Parliament."
LIB DEM SINGLE MARKET VOTE
It comes amid a Liberal Democrat amendment calling on Britain to be kept in the European single market following Brexit.
The move is an attempt to force Labour to commit to supporting a soft or a hard Brexit, according to party leader Vince Cable.
He told the Sunday Times: “The purpose of the amendment is obviously to flush out the Labour Party, which is clinging to constructive ambiguity on all matters European.
“It puts Corbyn very firmly on the spot. He and his acolytes have been going round since the June election trading on young people’s belief that he’s anti-Brexit, but actually he’s nothing of the kind.
“He needs to come off the fence. The logic of the Labour Party position is that they must now support this motion or it will be evidence of confusion and weakness.”
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