Keir Starmer threatens to work with rebel Tories to force Brexit deal vote
2 min read
Keir Starmer has said Labour will work with Conservative rebels to force a binding vote on the final Brexit deal if his party's six "red lines" are not met.
The Shadow Brexit Secretary said ministers must concede ground on the EU withdrawal bill at a time when the Government is said to be fearing defeat.
The legislation, which will transpose EU law into UK law after Brexit, was due to be debated last week but has since been delayed.
Theresa May is trying to halt a potential Tory rebellion, with the Government at risk of defeat over more than a dozen of the 300 amendments tabled.
Among those in question is one by Tory MP Dominic Grieve, which calls for an act of parliament to carry the final Brexit deal through.
Mr Starmer said Labour would back that amendment unless a string of Labour demands are met.
He said the delay in the legislation marks an opportunity for the Prime Minister “to accept Labour’s reasonable and considered demands on what needs to change”.
The six “red lines” - which he said would allow ministers to end the current “paralysis” - are as follows:
■ Parliament - not ministers - must have the final say on whether to approve the withdrawal agreement and how to implement it.
■ Mrs May’s request for a two-year implementation period is to be added to the legislation.
■ A “different approach” to the use of so-called Henry VIII powers that allow ministers to make big legislative changes must be found.
■ A formal concession to devolved administrations that powers returning from Brussels will go to Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast rather than Whitehall must be granted.
■ There must be respect for the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and an assurance there will be no drop in human rights protection after Brexit.
■ There must also be a guarantee for EU-derived workers’ rights, consumer rights and environmental standards in the bill.
Writing in the Sunday Times, Mr Starmer said: "I believe there is a consensus in Parliament for these changes.
"And there is certainly no majority for weakening rights, silencing Parliament and sidelining the devolved administrations.
"There is a way through this paralysis. Labour will work with all sides to make that happen."
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