UK lawmakers urge Corbyn to back second referendum on Brexit

Several British MPs have called on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to support a second referendum on Brexit, with his party’s support crucial to forcing the government to hold a second vote on Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.

The House of Commons remains in deadlock over Brexit, with MPs in parliament voting to overwhelmingly reject Theresa May’s deal and few alternatives insight to break the impasse other than Britain leaving without a deal in place.

May refuses to hold second referendum

Without the full support of Corbyn and the Labour party for a second referendum it is unlikely that another vote will be held, with May adamant that her government will respect the decision of the British people where 52% of UK citizens voted to leave the EU.

As it stands, Corbyn has refrained from supporting a second referendum, but believes that the option should remain on the table and has refused to hold cross-party talks with May until she rules out a no-deal Brexit.

Brexit deadline looms large

For many MPs a second referendum appears to be the only way to break the Brexit deadlock in the House of Commons by leaving Britain’s fate in the hands of the public once more.

‘The clock is ticking and at this late stage, I appeal to Jeremy Corbyn to do the right thing by the majority of our voters, our supporters and members and back a people’s vote,’ Labour MP Luciana Berger said. ‘The time for action is now,’ she added.

Meanwhile, Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston stressed just how crucial Corbyn’s support for a second referendum is, as without it the motion will likely be defeated in parliament.

‘Without the unequivocal backing of the Labour leadership at the moment we would not have the numbers,” Wollaston said.