Final Say: George Osborne says case for new referendum 'certainly growing'

The ex-chancellor had previously said he did not think a new vote possible

George Osborne has said that the case for a second referendum on Brexit is “certainly growing” because of new information that has come to light since 2016.

The former Conservative chancellor said it had become increasingly clear those arguing the UK could leave the European Union and still keep the benefits of being in the bloc were “peddling a fantasy”.

His latest words mark a shift in opinion from the Tory figure, who said as recently as May that he did not think a new public vote was viable.

The Independent has already launched its campaign for a Final Say referendum on whatever the outcome of Brexit is, with almost 800,000 signing our petition, and joined forces with the People’s Vote campaign for a huge march in October.

Writing for the Evening Standard, which he became editor of in May 2017, Mr Osborne said: “Leaving the EU has always meant erecting barriers to trade with out largest markets – whether those barriers come about through orderly negotiation or disorderly exit.

“Those who argued we could leave the EU and keep all the same benefits – in other words, have our cake and eat it – were peddling a fantasy, and the British people were told that during the referendum.

“Whether there should be a second referendum rests on whether the public are now in possession of materially new information that was not available two years ago – the case is certainly growing.”

Mr Osborne’s editorials in the Standard, part of the same media group as The Independent, have often been scathing of Theresa May’s approach to Brexit.

But he has previously stopped short of making any positive noise about a new referendum, saying in May: “I don’t think you can have a second referendum.

“Much as I regret all that, the country made a decision.”

But his new shift in tone mirrors growing momentum towards a fresh Brexit referendum, with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) at the weekend also moving towards backing a Final Say, piling new pressure on Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party.

The TUC told Theresa May she must give the public a vote on whatever Brexit deal she negotiates with the EU.

In June this year more than 100,000 people from all walks of life marched on parliament to demand their democratic voice be heard in a new Brexit referendum.

The People’s Vote and The Independent March for the Future, on 20 October in London, is set to be much larger.