Brexit Report January 2019
January saw Theresa May’s Brexit deal defeated by a humiliating 230 votes which (despite her delaying tactics to try to garner support) made it the biggest government defeat in British history.
January saw Theresa May’s Brexit deal defeated by a humiliating 230 votes which (despite her delaying tactics to try to garner support) made it the biggest government defeat in British history.
Addressing the Labour and Left bloc near Hyde Park at the start of the Let Us Be Heard march. Click here to start video.
Writing in Labour List I explain why Labour cannot afford to be ambiguous about the next EU referendum.
Brexit is turning out to be very different from what was promised by the Leave campaign three years ago, so it is justified to ask people to confirm whether they wish to proceed or not.
Speaking in the final European Parliament session before the May elections, the day after the terrible blaze at Notre Dame de Paris, I reflect on President Tusk’s comments that ‘we are bound by more than just treaties’.
Theresa May gave a speech in Grimsby today ahead of the second “meaningful vote” on her Brexit deal in Parliament on Tuesday. You can read her speech, with my comments inserted, here.
Some Labour MPs are uneasy about our leadership calling for a referendum on May’s Brexit deal. They have four main arguments against this position. My latest article in Labour List challenges their assertions.
Looking beyond Westminster procedures, government splits, and other shenanigans, there are only four possible outcomes of the Brexit saga.
I have co-written an article for Labour List with Wakefield’s MP Mary Creagh. We recognise that some Labour MPs are hesitant about holding another EU referendum, but although we understand their caution, the arguments simply don’t stack up.
I was invited to speak to members on the left of the political spectrum on the the possible way forward to a second referendum on Brexit.
Speaking at the People’s Vote rally, minutes before the meaningful vote is announced on 15 January.
Within 24 hours of losing the ‘meaningful vote’ by an unprecedented margin, Theresa May defeated a vote of No Confidence in her government. So how does Parliament proceed?
Interviewed on Sky News alongside Charles Tannock MEP to discuss the developing situation with Brexit, as Theresa May returns empty handed from Brussels two days after the damaging no-confidence vote from her MPs.
On the day that the EU Council agreed the Withdrawal Agreement and the text of the Political Declaration, I was interviewed by Adam Boulton on Sky News.
Speaking in the Conclusions of the October EC debate as the UK government misses yet another deadline, leaving only a few months remaining to negotiate any Brexit deal.
Writing for Labour List I argue Labour colleagues should not enable right-wing Tory and UKIP politicians – who fear that the people may have changed their minds – in opposing a public vote on the Brexit deal.
Speaking in the European Parliament debate in preparation for the next European Council meeting on 18-19 October, I point out that the Brexit being offered to the UK, including Leave voters, is not what they were told and not what many voted for.
Brexit has been one of the main issues discussed at this year’s Labour Party Conference, and Labour’s policy has been clarified. Here is a summary of where we stand now, and how the various options may play out in the coming weeks.
Interviewed by Adam Boulton while at Labour conference.
Some reflections on recognising the importance of democracy in today’s heated political climate.
Speaking on a panel at the Leeds for Europe event in September on why there are increasing calls for a People’s Vote.
The two year Article 50 period runs out in March 2019, but Theresa May’s terrible handling of the Brexit negotiations, and the Conservative party’s bitter divisions mean that it is still very difficult to predict where the UK will be politically in the next few months.
Make no mistake: the government impact papers outlining the dire consequences of a no-deal Brexit are intended to frighten everyone into supporting a deal – any deal, if it manages to secure one. These papers are a decoy.
Radio Interview with LBC’s Matt Stadlen on Brexit, the People’s Vote campaign and Labour’s evolving policy position. (8 minutes long.)