Brexit: Labour 'highly likely' to back plan to extend Article 50 and block no-deal outcome, McDonnell says

Move to delay Brexit until end of 2019 - unless a deal passes by the end of February - appears to have the numbers

A cross-party bid for parliament to “take control” to block a no-deal Brexit has received a big boost after Labour said it is “highly likely” to back it.

Opposition support would all-but guarantee that the plan – to force Theresa May to seek an extension to the Article 50 process until the end of 2019, unless her deal passes by the end of February – will win Commons approval.

John McDonnell described the backbench bill, put forward by Labour's Yvette Cooper and Conservative Nick Boles as “sensible”, ahead of a crucial vote next Tuesday.

“It says to the government ‘you've run down the clock so much, it looks as though if you can't get a deal by February 26’ – the government will then have to bring forward proposals to extend that,” he said.

“So, I think it's increasingly likely already that we'll have to take that option because the government has run the clock down.”

The boost came as Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, sparked anger by claiming Tory backers of the plan wanted to thwart Brexit altogether.

Dr Fox said there was “real danger” and “huge consequences” in such a radical constitutional change, allowing MPs – rather than the government – to initiate legislation.

Claiming the real aim was to stop Brexit altogether, he said: “There are many who talk about delaying Brexit, when what they really mean is not having Brexit at all.

“I think the worst outcome would be for parliament, having given a guarantee to the voters that they would honour result of the referendum, to turn around and break that contract.”

Mr Boles described the claim as “rubbish”, tweeting: “I am happy to vote for ANY deal that the PM recommends and that will deliver Brexit on time. I will never support revocation of Brexit.”

With Labour support, the Cooper-Boles plan is almost certain to win a Commons vote on a motion next Tuesday – but would still face the challenge of passing the legislation itself.

Furthermore, extending Article 50 requires the consent of all other 27 EU countries, which might only be granted if the UK agrees to hold a general election, or a fresh referendum.

Labour’s likely support comes after the prime minister rebuffed a call by Amber Rudd for ministers to be given a free vote on the motion aimed at delaying Brexit if necessary.

The work and pensions secretary warned dozens of ministers would resign otherwise –but Ms May told the cabinet that collective responsibility would be enforced.

However, with Labour support, only about a dozen Tory rebels would be required for the motion to pass. More than that figure have already voted previously against no-deal.

Two other amendments to thwart a no-deal Brexit could also be put to a vote next Tuesday. They would not be binding, but would still pile huge pressure on Downing Street to bend to parliament’s will.