Jump directly to the content
NEVERENDUM

NEW Brexit plot launched by remainer MPs to topple Government unless they get another EU referendum

The pro-EU Best for Britain campaign has proposed a series of drastic steps to wreck Brexit

REMAINER MPs have revealed a new push to force the Government into holding a second referendum on Brexit.

The House of Commons could bar ministers from raising taxes - bringing the state to a standstill.

 Theresa May faces a campaign to force a second referendum on Brexit
3
Theresa May faces a campaign to force a second referendum on BrexitCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The drastic step is proposed as a way of forcing Theresa May to carry out a dramatic U-turn and back a rerun of the 2016 vote.

Pro-EU campaign group Best for Britain has published a new report recommending the wrecking tactic.

It suggests MPs should vote down the PM's deal next month, then vote to rule out a No Deal outcome.

The document says: "The clearest opportunity for replacing no deal as the default option is through political pressure via the Finance Bill.

 The House of Commons could try to force through a rerun of the 2016 Brexit vote
3
The House of Commons could try to force through a rerun of the 2016 Brexit voteCredit: AP:Associated Press

"The key point is that income tax and corporation tax are annual taxes, authorisation of which runs out at the end of the tax year."

MPs could in theory pass an amendment blocking the Government from collecting the levies, which make up a third of all tax revenue.

The proposed amendment to the Finance Bill would state that no taxes can be collected until the PM calls a second referendum on Brexit.

It would be up to Speaker John Bercow to decide whether or not the amendment can be voted on.

 Dominic Grieve has backed the radical plan to get a second vote on Brexit
3
Dominic Grieve has backed the radical plan to get a second vote on Brexit

Another suggestion would see MPs block the Government from bringing any bills to the Commons unless ministers cave on Brexit.

The report, drawn up with the help of lawyer and ex-MP David Howarth, lays out four options for Parliament to take control of the process.

In a foreword Tory Remainer Dominic Grieve said: "There are routes not yet properly explored, examined or voted upon which the Prime Minister appears to be attempting to close off.

"Instead Downing Street threatens a catastrophic No Deal should the Prime Minister’s deal fail to be delivered through Parliament.

"As parliamentarians, we have a duty to examine every option open to us which would avoid such an outcome.”

Mrs May's deal will go to a vote in Parliament in mid-January - but the PM needs to win over dozens more MPs if she is to avoid a humiliating defeat.

If the Government loses, Britain will be on course to leave the EU without a deal, but MPs are likely to put pressure on Mrs May to hold a second referendum instead.

She has always insisted that's out of the question, but earlier this month ally Amber Rudd suggested it would be better than a No Deal outcome.

Amber Rudd breaks ranks with Theresa May to say second Brexit referendum ‘plausible’ way to end deadlock


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online politics team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours


Topics