Alliance Call For Parliament To Test People's Vote On Brexit

An Alliance MLA has accused Westminster of wasting time as the Brexit deadline approaches, and called for Parliament to address the possibility of a People's Vote.

Stephen Farry MLA was speaking after Prime Minister Theresa May told the House of Commons there would be another vote soon on her proposed deal, but only after more talks with the EU to secure changes to the Irish backstop.

The deadline remains set for the end of next month.

"Delay and running the clock down on Brexit is a dangerous game. Asking for more time equates to wasting time," the north Down MLA said.


"The choices facing the UK are clear and stark. Any negotiated Brexit will need to be based on this Withdrawal Agreement, including the backstop as it is currently framed. The only coherent alternative is a further referendum. Otherwise, the default is a catastrophic no deal situation. 


"More and more delay and procrastination only serves to indulge delusions and the chasing of unicorns. However, delay doesn't come without cost. Business and other stakeholders need to have certainty, and will otherwise be forced to take decisions with implications for investment and jobs. 
Parliament needs to step up and force this issue. At a minimum, it does seem there is a majority for a soft Brexit which could be telegraphed through an amended political declaration. However, there may also be a majority for a People's Vote.

"This has not yet been tested by amendment in Parliament. Some campaigners want to wait for the perfect moment to act. But this opportunity may never come and if the UK leaves the EU with the chance it is not what a majority of people now actually want, it would be a tragedy. Far better to build momentum towards the cleanest route out of this Brexit debacle."



(JG/CM)