Owen Smith pledges to fight Brexit negotiations trigger
Speaking to party members in Hammersmith, Mr Smith promised to campaign as leader against Article 50 until the Government offers a second referendum or calls a general election
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Owen Smith has promised to attempt to block the triggering of formal negotiations to leave the European Union (EU) until the Government offers a second referendum or calls a general election to approve its final Brexit deal.
The former shadow work and pensions secretary said that under his leadership the Labour Party will vote against triggering Article 50 until the Conservatives commit to a second public vote.
Outlining his position exactly two months after the outcome of the historic vote was announced, Mr Smith warned “Labour won't give the Tories a blank cheque”.
He hit out at comments made by Jeremy Corbyn on the morning of the EU referendum result calling for Article 50 to be invoked immediately. The Labour leader has since backtracked and insisted he misspoke.
Mr Smith said: “Jeremy Corbyn's decision to call for Article 50 to be invoked immediately after the referendum result was deeply irresponsible and, if he had been listened to, would have damaged Britain's interests.
“The British people were lied to by the Leave campaign - they deserve to have a say on whatever exit deal the Tories strike with the EU.
“Theresa May says that 'Brexit means Brexit' - but nobody knows what Brexit looks like.
“It could involve trashing workers' rights and environmental protections, opening our NHS up to foreign competition, making it harder for us to trade with our neighbours and damaging our economy.”
He added: “I'm a passionate pro-European and I will fight tooth and nail to keep us in the EU.
“Under my leadership, Labour won't give the Tories a blank cheque. We will vote in Parliament to block any attempt to invoke Article 50 until Theresa May commits to a second referendum or a general election on whatever EU exit deal emerges at the end of the process. I hope Jeremy will support me in such a move.”
Mr Smith has previously promised to offer the British public a second referendum to ratify any Brexit deal.
In order to leave the EU, the UK must trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which gives the two sides two years to negotiate the terms of the split.
Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments