MP, Leader of the , has written to the leaders
of other political parties and senior backbenchers from across
Parliament to lay out his plan to stop a No Deal Brexit and let
the people decide the future of our country.
The letter seeks to build support for a vote of no confidence in
the government, writing that “our priority should be to work
together in parliament to prevent a deeply damaging No Deal.” If
the vote of no confidence is successful, would seek to form a
caretaker government on a “strictly time-limited” basis with the
aim of calling a general election, and securing the necessary
extension of Article 50 to hold it.
ends the letter by
reiterating that in a general election, Labour will be committed
to a public vote on the terms of leaving the European Union,
including an option to Remain.
The letter is addressed to , , , , , , and .
Ends
Full text of the letter
Last week I wrote to the Cabinet Secretary, , for his view on how
purdah rules would apply if Parliament is dissolved for a General
Election campaign that straddles the Brexit date of
31st October.
I enclose a copy of his non-committal reply, which I received
yesterday (13 August) and should inform our discussions.
While it is likely that the issue will be contested in the
courts, our priority should be to work together in Parliament to
prevent a deeply damaging No Deal being imposed on the country,
denying voters the final say.
This government has no mandate for No Deal, and the 2016 EU
referendum provided no mandate for No Deal. I therefore intend to
table a vote of no confidence at the earliest opportunity when we
can be confident of success.
Following a successful vote of no confidence in the government, I
would then, as Leader of the Opposition, seek the confidence of
the House for a strictly time-limited temporary government with
the aim of calling a general election, and securing the necessary
extension of Article 50 to do so.
In that general election, Labour will be committed to a public
vote on the terms of leaving the European Union, including an
option to Remain.
I would welcome the chance to discuss these proposals further
with you, which I hope can halt the serious threat of No Deal,
end the uncertainty and disarray, and allow the public to decide
the best way ahead for our country.
Yours sincerely,
Leader of the Opposition
