Labour calls for vote on Brexit options

Opposition proposes alternative plan to rule out possibility of a no-deal EU exit

The UK's Labour Party moved toward clarifying its policy on Brexit by calling for MPs to vote on preferred next steps in the process, including the possibility of a second referendum.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn proposed votes on options for how the United Kingdom can avoid an economically damaging no-deal Brexit, and the main opposition party is backing a plan that could bring closer the possibility of stopping Brexit altogether.

The party's alternative Brexit plan, which would be the subject of a separate vote if the amendment were carried, proposes that the UK remain in a post-Brexit customs union with the European Union and have a strong relationship with the single market.

MPs are putting forward plans to change the outcome of Brexit ahead of a vote next week on British Prime Minister Theresa May's amended deal.

May said on Monday she was focused on altering the backstop - the "insurance policy" to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.

More amendments to change her next steps could be added in the coming days before MPs are due to vote on May's proposals for Brexit on Jan 29.

Corbyn acknowledged that this latest amendment could pave the way for another referendum.

"Our amendment will allow MPs to vote on options to end this Brexit deadlock and prevent the chaos of a no-deal," he said. "It is time for Labour's alternative plan to take center stage, while keeping all options on the table, including the option of a public vote."

It is the first time the party has asked MPs to formally consider a second poll, although the carefully worded compromise amendment did not commit the party's leadership to backing a referendum if such a vote were to take place.

Pressure on May to rule out a no-deal Brexit is stacking up after MPs derided her so called Plan B.

Sky News reported on an estimate, by the UK Border Force, which predicts cross-Channel freight trade could collapse by between 75 percent and 87 percent for six months in the event of a no-deal.

It added that a hard-hitting Whitehall report claims uncertainty over Brexit has caused serious disruption in government and torn British politics apart.

The pro-Remain cabinet minister Amber Rudd is said to have warned Downing Street that dozens of ministers could resign if Tory MPs are banned from voting to stop a no-deal Brexit.

Responding to the leaked Border Force document, Labour MP David Lammy said: "As this shows, no-deal will be catastrophic for British trade.

"A worst case 87 percent fall in channel freight traffic means job losses, shortages of vital supplies and potential recession.

"It's time for parliament to rule out no-deal, and begin an honest discussion about the remaining options for Brexit, in comparison to remaining in the EU."

After her Brexit plan went down to the most resounding defeat in modern British history, Theresa May was told to come back with a Plan B, which she did on Monday.

Even though her plan was defeated in Parliament last week by 230 votes, May told MPs on Monday that she still hoped to win them over by negotiating changes to the plan that many regard as cosmetic.

She told MPs that she could not rule out the possibility of leaving the EU without any agreement, even though preventing that outcome is probably the one thing that a majority in Parliament could agree on.

She also said she did not believe there was a majority in Parliament for a second referendum that could reverse the whole process of withdrawal.

And she rejected the option of pivoting toward a model of Brexit that keeps closer ties to the EU, an option more attractive to opposition MPs.

jonathan@mail.chinadailyuk.com

(China Daily 01/23/2019 page12)