Rebel MPs consider plan to to force votes on Brexit legislation and a second referendum
2 min read
Several MPs are reportedly exploring the possibility of taking control of the Parliamentary agenda if Boris Johnson insists on “pausing” votes on the Brexit deal until after an election.
According to The Guardian, supporters of a second referendum and soft Brexit have been working on the plans since the summer.
They intend to apply to the Speaker for an emergency debate under the rules of Standing Order 24.
This would allow them to take control of the Parliamentary timetable next week and force votes on another referendum and Brexit legislation.
As part of their plan, they would introduce votes on either Boris Johnson’s or Theresa May’s Brexit deals, with additional votes on a customs union, second referendum and delayed Brexit.
It is understood that MPs have been discussing these plans with former EU officials to understand if they would demonstrate that the UK was serious about using an extension to reach an agreement.
Mr Johnson has claimed he will not table his Brexit legislation in Parliament if MPs reject his call for a December election on Monday.
But opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn has said he will only vote for an election if the Government made assurances that there would not be a No-Deal Brexit.
The Prime Minister is unlikely to give such assurances, however, as the EU are not set to formally decide on an extension until next week.
Labour MP Peter Kyle told The Guardian he was in talks with ex-Tory MPs about the possibility of bringing Mr Johnson’s deal back into Parliament.
Former Tory MP Dominic Grieve also said that MPs bringing back the withdrawal bill and attaching an amendment for a second referendum was “within the field of options”.
Tory MP Nick Boles, however, was sceptical of the plans, tweeting: “There is no such plan. And it wouldn’t work, as taking a bill of this scale into committee requires a money resolution and Queen’s consent, which only the government can provide.”
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