Theresa May has refused to rule out quitting rather than be forced to deliver a Final SayBrexit referendum, if MPs vote for it in historic Commons clashes over the next few weeks.
The prime minister said she viewed it as a “matter of trust” to deliver the referendum result and to leave the EU – implying she might step down if parliament chose to throw the issue back to the public.
Speaking to The Independent, on route to the G20 summit in Argentina, Ms May declined – three times – to commit to staying on as prime minister, if ordered by MPs to deliver a fresh public vote.
“We, as a parliament, gave people in this country the decision about whether or not to leave the European Union,” she said.
“They voted on that – they voted to leave. I think it is matter of trust in politicians that we then deliver on that vote.”
The comments come after Ms May accepted that MPs will have the opportunity to opt for a People’s Vote, when her Brexit agreement comes to the Commons.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, she argued it would require an extension to the Article 50 period, beyond next March – but appeared to accept power rests with parliament. Labour’s John McDonnell has said he now views its support as “inevitable”.
MPs will vote on the Brexit deal on 11 December, with the prospect of multiple attempts to amend it if – as expected – it crashes to a heavy defeat.
Asked if she would stay on to deliver a fresh referendum, if backed by MPs, she replied: “I’m very clear that I don’t think there should be another referendum.”
Asked a third time to rule out resigning in those circumstances, she said: “I’m focusing on the result of the vote.”
The prime minister also refused to accept that defeat was now certain, with almost 100 Tory MPs having spoken out in opposition, saying: “We haven’t had the vote yet.”
She was urging MPs to recognise that her deal delivered on the referendum result “in a way that protects the union, in a way that protects jobs, in a way that protects our security”.
Ms May also turned her fire on Labour for opposing the “backstop” plan she has struck with Brussels to prevent the return of a hard border in Ireland.
“By appearing to reject a temporary backstop, they are effectively advocating a no deal, because without a backstop there is no deal,” she argued.
However, Labour’s amendment to the meaningful vote explicitly rules out a no-deal Brexit and calls on other parties to back that stance.
Ms May also insisted she was winning support from the public for her Brexit plan, on her nationwide tour.
“They recognise the importance of this deal and are supporting this deal,” she argued.
And she urged the UK to unite behind it, saying: “A divided country is not one that prospers – it’s important that we come together and actually look to our future outside the EU.”
The Independent has launched its #FinalSay campaign to demand that voters are given a voice on the final Brexit deal.
Sign our petition here
