Pro-EU MPs ready to call for a second Brexit referendum in a ‘Doctor’s Amendment’ to Theresa May’s ‘Plan B’
The Sun can reveal that Tory backbencher Dr Sarah Wollaston is in talks with Labour and SNP MPs to lead the push for a People’s Vote
PRO-EU MPs are preparing to formally call for a second referendum as early as Tuesday in a “Doctor’s Amendment”.
The Sun can reveal that Tory backbencher Dr Sarah Wollaston is in talks with colleagues from Labour and the SNP to lead the push for a People’s Vote.
The formal call will come in the form of an amendment to Theresa May’s ‘Plan B’ motion to be debated next Tuesday, January 29.
If selected by the Speaker it would see MPs vote on a new poll.
Ms Wollaston told The Sun: “It’s all about informed consent. You wouldn’t opt for surgery if you didn’t know the operation you were having. And here, Theresa May is the surgeon.”
Other lead signatories are understood to include Tory ex-Minister Dr Philip Lee and Labour’s Dr Paul Williams and Dr Philippa Whitford of the SNP, a breast surgeon.
It comes despite People’s Vote insiders admitting privately that only 150-180 MPs in the Commons currently back a People’s Vote – nowhere near a majority.
A group of Conservative and Labour second referendum backers including Chuka Umunna and Anna Soubry met Theresa May’s de-facto deputy PM David Lidington for confidential talks about a new poll yesterday.
They are believed to have warned that a second vote could keep the union together given the strength of the ‘Remain’ vote in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Dr Philip Lee, who quit as Justice Minister last year over Brexit, warned on Monday that both Scotland and Northern Ireland could quit the union unless the PM grants a People’s Vote.
He warned the PM’s “Brexit at all costs” strategy would spark a clamour for a second Independence vote in Scotland and a unity poll in Northern Ireland. Both voted ‘Remain’ in 2016.
Dr Lee said: “Time is running out to get a deal that works for the whole of the UK. The only way to find a way through the political deadlock is to let the people decide on how the country should proceed, by giving them a Final Say.”
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