But it's not clear if MPs face a three-line whip
Jeremy Corbyn has said Labour will vote to trigger Article 50 if the Supreme Court rules parliament must vote on launching Brexit.
However, it wasn’t clear if Labour MPs would face a three-line whip.
It comes ahead of the court’s decision on Tuesday on the government’s appeal of a High Court ruling that only parliament has the power to trigger Article 50.
If the Supreme Court upholds the High Court’s decision, the Prime Minister could call a vote on Article 50 as early as next week.
Corbyn told Sky News:
“It is very clear. The referendum made a decision that Britain was to leave the European Union. It was not to destroy jobs or living standards or communities but it was to leave the European Union and to have a different relationship in the future.
I’ve made it very clear the Labour party accepts and respects the decision of the British people. We will not block article 50.”
When asked if Labour MPs will face a three-line whip, he said:
“It means that Labour MPs will be asked to vote in that direction next week, or whenever the vote comes up.”
His remarks were attacked by Tim Farron, leader of the pro-Remain Liberal Democrats, who accused Labour of providing weak opposition.
Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty will start the process of Britain leaving the EU within two years.
See: May’s Tories have a 17 point lead over Corbyn’s Labour – YouGov
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2 Responses to “Jeremy Corbyn says Labour will vote to trigger Article 50”
David Lindsay
There ought to be an amendment insisting on that extra £350 million per week for the NHS. But the people expressing even the mildest surprise at Jeremy Corbyn’s approach to Article 50 know literally nothing about the Left. Corbyn would have voted for Article 50 even if there had been a Labour three-line whip to vote against it. Now, though, he is the Leader. Wherever you are, Tony Benn, this one is for you.
A three-line whip to vote in favour of Article 50 would not “force” Labour MPs to vote for it. It would just be a three-line whip. MPs would be within their rights to break it, as Jeremy Corbyn did often enough. And to take the consequences, which should be understood in light of the fact that Corbyn is still alive, is still possessed of all four limbs and all five senses, is still a Member of Parliament, and is now the Leader of the Labour Party. What would those bemoaning this whip have had instead? A free vote? A whip to overturn the referendum result? What, exactly?
ted francis
Trigger Article 50 provided the Government agree to spend £350m per week on the NHS.