Brexit news: TUC boss calls for suspension of Article 50 and second referendum on May's deal

Frances O’Grady says government's handling of Brexit is ‘shambolic’ and workers need new deal to protect jobs and rights

A union leader has launched a fresh attack against the government’s handling of Brexit, saying things have gone “badly wrong” for the country.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said workers need a new deal after years of being held back by cuts and stagnating pay.

In her new year message, she called for Article 50 to be suspended and for the government to “step aside” and give the people a final say “one way or another”.

She said: “The government’s handling of Brexit has been shambolic.

“Theresa May’s deal doesn’t protect working people’s jobs and rights but, instead of offering a real alternative, the prime minister wants to bully the people of this country into backing her.

“The deal isn’t good enough and the prime minister should stop playing games with people’s livelihoods. The sensible and responsible option is to suspend Article 50.

“We need a Brexit deal that protects jobs and rights at work, but we also need a new deal to bring prosperity, funded public services and decent jobs to towns across the UK.”

Ms O’Grady said there should be a “change of course” in 2019, including a halt to spending cuts.

“Things have gone badly wrong in Britain. The government is in chaos and the prime minister has lost control.

“Her Brexit deal doesn’t command a parliamentary majority and that there’s no majority for no deal either.

“Meanwhile, millions of families struggle to make ends meet and a generation of bright young people can’t get on in life. So it’s no wonder that people are angry.”

PA