Corbyn joins opposition leaders to call for ‘meaningful’ Brexit vote

Opposition leaders in Westminster - Jeremy Corbyn, Vince Cable and Ian Blackford (Photographs: PA) - Credit: Archant

The leaders of Westminster’s opposition parties have joined forces to urge Theresa May to allow amendments to the government’s ‘meaningful vote’ on Brexit – which could lead to a People’s Vote.

Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn, the SNP’s Ian Blackford, Lib Dem Sir Vince Cable and Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts used a joint letter to the prime minister to seek assurances over the ‘meaningful vote’ on the Brexit agreement.

‘Recent interventions from Government ministers have suggested that you and your government may seek to limit or constrain the process on the final vote, in an attempt to muzzle Parliament,’ they claimed.

‘We want to be clear that this would be wholly unacceptable.’

They said a ‘much more extensive’ debate on the arrangements for the vote was required than the 90 minutes usually set aside for a business motion.

And when the actual motion is considered, they said there must be opportunities to table ‘multiple amendments’.

‘While we recognise Parliament will have to approve or disapprove any agreement, it would be reckless to present this vote as take-it-or-leave-it without Parliament being able to suggest an alternative,’ they said.

‘We believe Parliament must be allowed to express its view and hold the executive to account.

‘This would not be possible if Parliament was unable to table, debate and consider amendments before any decision on the substantive motion.’