Labour Wants a Second Brexit Referendum if Parliament Gives Its No‑Go Signal
With the UK’s “exit day” looming on March 29, the Opposition Labour Party has just dropped a bombshell: if Parliament rejects Theresa May’s latest exit deal, Labour will back a fresh poll to let the public decide again. That could upend May’s carefully laid plans for a smooth handover.
Why May is feeling the sting
Prime Minister Theresa May has been courting parliament for a decent deal on the exit—a deal that would keep Britain in a customs union with the EU and keep many EU‑style benefits in place. But when the House of Commons turns up for its crucial vote on Wednesday, debate is likely to get heavy. Labour is basically saying: “Give us fair go or we’ll make everyone flock back to the ballot box.”
Labour’s own plan
- Permanent customs union. Stay connected to the EU’s trading framework.
- Single market alignment. Keep things like product standards and intellectual property straight.
- Public vote. If Parliament says a deal is out of the question, a second referendum will happen.
Keir Starmer, Labour’s Brexit front‑man, made it crystal clear: “If Parliament rejects our plan, then Labour will deliver on the promise we made at our annual conference and support a public vote.” That’s a serious threat to May’s chances of passing a “good deal” before the deadline.
Labour in a political jam
Down to one month until Brexit day, Labour’s leadership is caught between two camps:
- Those who simply want the UK off the EU ASAP.
- Those who want a “People’s Vote” to ensure the decision truly reflects the people’s will.
Jeremy Corbyn’s call for a second referendum is bleeding party unity. Last week, eight MPs left the party, furious that Corbyn hasn’t pushed hard enough for yet another vote.
What does this mean for May?
Labour’s stance could “backfire” on May’s strategic moves in parliament. Parliament’s budget and policy bills are a hotbed, and a second referendum could mean a complete reset—a real “back to square one” scenario. May’s conservative rivals are already warning that a new poll would derail her carefully negotiated exit deal.
Labour’s lead‑in policy moves
Yvette Cooper, a Labour MP, has been pushing for the bill that would give parliament the legal arm to postpone the deadline, giving MPs a chance to debate and consider a public vote.
Corbyn’s plan is to safeguard the public debate and prevent a “damaging Tory Brexit.” He believes that “one way or another, we will do everything in our power to prevent a no‑deal.”
Labour’s internal splits
Even among Labour supporters, opinions are pulled apart. Stephen Kinnock admitted the idea of another referendum could cause deep divisions. Emily Thornberry, a Labour foreign affairs spokeswoman, said it might have to present a choice between May’s deal and staying in the EU, but the party’s spokesman quickly shut that notion down as unacceptable.
The push from the remain camp
The Remain Labour campaign rolled out the “significant step forward.” Andrew Lewin, founder of that group, said they’re “closer than ever” to a People’s Vote, celebrating what they see as a real breakthrough.
All of this is happening just days before Parliament’s marathon vote. The outcome will dictate whether the UK will leave the EU with a shiver or with a full on anthem—depending on how the people ultimately feel.