Mayor of London Sadiq Khan should join the campaign for a “people’s vote” on the final terms of Brexit.
Campaigners want the full electorate to have a say on the deal, leaving open the option of reversing the result of the referendum.
Today, the London Assembly called on the Mayor to join the campaign and actively lobby Government and MPs to introduce a second vote on Brexit, if the deal is rejected by Parliament or there is no deal.
Andrew Dismore AM, who proposed an amended motion, said: “In light of the massive potential impact of the term of any Brexit deal on London, this Assembly urges the Mayor, if the Brexit deal is rejected by Parliament or there is no deal, to back publicly the campaign for a people’s vote on the terms of the UK’s exit from the European Union and to lobby Government and Members of Parliament to support the demand for a vote.
“This Assembly also commits to supporting this position.”
Sian Berry AM, who proposed the original motion, said: “The Assembly has recognised that there is a huge strength of feeling in London for a people’s vote – this motion also acknowledges the strength of feeling among Assembly members – I’d like to thank Caroline Pidgeon for her work on developing and moving this motion.
“We agree that the people should have the final say on the terms of the Brexit deal. This spans both people who backed remain and those who may have voted for Brexit but not for the mess we are now in.
“The impact of Brexit is deeply worrying – for our economy and for our friends, families and fellow Londoners who will be made unwelcome, and all this will be worse if there’s no deal agreed. A people’s vote would give us the chance we need to reconsider.”
The full text of the motion
“In light of the massive potential impact of the term of any Brexit deal on London, this Assembly urges the Mayor, if the Brexit deal is rejected by Parliament or there is no deal, to back publicly the campaign for a people’s vote on the terms of the UK’s exit from the European Union and to lobby Government and Members of Parliament to support the demand for a vote. This Assembly also commits to supporting this position.”
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast
- Watch Sian Berry AM explain why she proposed the motion
- The motion was agreed by 13 votes for, to 9 votes against
- Sian Berry, who proposed the original motion is available for interviews
- As well as investigation issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor