Second Referendum On The Table In May-Corbyn Talks, Says Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay has confirmed a second referendum could be an outcome of Jeremy Corbyn’s talks with Theresa May.

Speaking to MPs on Wednesday morning, Barclay said there were “no preconditions” on the negotiations due to take place between the two party leaders this afternoon.

And he raised the prospect of a “confirmatory vote” on just “Leave options”.

Barclay told the Commons Brexit committee that it would take around a year to legislate for a second referendum.

May has previously ruled out holding another vote, but agreeing to put any deal agreed by MPs to the public could be one way of securing a majority in the Commons.

The call for another referendum was defeated by just 12 votes on Monday when the Commons held a series of “indicative votes” on alternative Brexit options.

Campaigners seized on the fact it had more MPs voting in favour than any other option.

Corbyn is under intense pressure from within Labour to extract a pledge to hold a referendum as the price for his support of any deal.

Dame Margaret Beckett, speaking at a press conference this morning held by the People’s Vote campaign, said the Labour leader must demand three things: that no-deal be ruled out, a second vote and a long extension to the Article 50 EU withdrawal process.

Asked if Corbyn should abandon talks if May refuses to discuss a second vote, she said: “If she says this is a condition that we don’t even discuss it then yes I think he should.” Read more

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