Labour launch bid to wreck Theresa May’s Brexit plan by forcing fresh vote to block No Deal exit

LABOUR are planning to ambush Theresa May on Brexit as soon as this week, it emerged today.

Jeremy Corbyn’s party will try to wreck the PM’s strategy by ruling out the possibility of No Deal.

It comes as Mrs May continues to play for time – pushing the final vote on her deal as far as possible.

This week MPs will get a say on the future course of Brexit, scheduled to take place on Valentine’s Day.

Labour today pledged to put down a motion forcing the PM to hold a formal vote on the Brexit deal by the end of February.

If the deal is voted down this month, there will still be time for pro-EU MPs to step in and block No Deal by forcing a delay to Brexit.

But Mrs May is trying to run down the clock – leaving the vote on her deal as late as March 26, three days before we legally quit the EU.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer said today: “We have got to put a hard stop to the Prime Minister running down the clock on Brexit and trying to impose a binary choice between her deal and No Deal.

“This week Parliament needs to say enough is enough – and to take control of what happens next.”

In a separate move, Labour Remainers are tabling an amendment which would approve the PM’s deal as long as she holds a referendum on it.

That would give the public the chance to decide between leaving the EU on Mrs May’s terms, or staying permanently.

Labour MP Peter Kyle : “The beauty of this plan is that it holds attractions for both Leavers and Remainers.

“For Leavers, if the deal is confirmed by the British people, it offers a definitive end to the withdrawal process with Brexit sealed once and for all.

“For Remainers, on the other hand, it offers the chance to make the case to stay in the EU to the public, based on facts not promises as before.”

RUNNING DOWN THE CLOCK

Mrs May suffered a historic defeat when MPs voted on the Brexit withdrawal agreement last month.

She then dodged an attempt by Labour’s Yvette Cooper to rule out No Deal by delaying Brexit instead.

This week Ms Cooper is expected to try again – and hopes to win over serving ministers who are worried about the impact of No Deal.

But the PM has told MPs that if the deal isn’t approved by the end of the month, they’ll get a third chance to have their say on the way forward on February 27.

Housing Secretary James Brokenshire said today: “If the meaningful vote has not happened, so in other words things have not concluded, then Parliament would have that further opportunity by no later than February 27.

“I think that gives that sense of timetable, clarity and purpose on what we are doing with the EU – taking that work forward and our determination to get a deal – but equally knowing that role that Parliament very firmly has.”

Lib Dem boss Vince Cable blasted: “This is worse than irresponsible. It is deeply insulting to the country and to Parliament.”

Tory Remainer Sarah Wollaston added: “Time for ministers to step up by stepping down from their posts if they are serious about preventing No Deal.”

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