EXCLUSIVE: MPs should have vote on Brexit ‘divorce bill’ and final deal, say public

The findings come amid a growing backbench rebellion, with MPs demanding a 'meaningful' Parliamentary vote on the final Brexit deal.

61% of the public believe MPs should have the final say on the overall Brexit deal according to a new BMG Research poll for Left Foot Forward.

That includes 52% of over-55s, 39% of current Conservatives and 35% of Leave voters, while the figure rises to 69% among 18-24 year olds with a view.

The findings come in light of a rebel amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill being debated this Wednesday, which would give Parliament a ‘meaningful’ vote on the final Brexit deal negotiated by the government.

58% of voters with a view also believe MPs should have a vote on the Brexit ‘divorce bill’, according to the BMG poll for this site.

Of those with a view, 41% of current Conservatives, 42% of Leave voters, and 65% of 18-24 year olds believe MPs should vote on the final divorce figure, the BMG poll shows.

The amendment from Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve MP would mean the terms of the UK’s withdrawal would be approved by way of a legally binding Act of Parliament, which would have to be passed before the Prime Minister signs any agreement.

Before the Brussels talks on Friday, 84% of those with a view (including 67% of Conservatives and 79% of Leave voters) said the negotiations were going ‘badly’ overall (compared to 16% who believed they were going well), with just 2% saying the talks were going ‘very well’.

The findings come as a majority would back new in-out referendum if there was ‘no deal’ scenario.

 Commenting on the poll, Chuka Umunna MP, leading supporter of Open Britain, said:

“It is perfectly understandable that the British people believe the Brexit talks are going badly. The chance of us ending up with a good deal out of this whole process is diminishing by the day, as Ministers begin to backtrack on the deal Theresa May thought she had done just last week.

“Given this sorry state of affairs, our elected representatives in Parliament must be given a proper, meaningful vote over whatever agreement the Government comes back with. MPs mustn’t be fobbed off with a symbolic vote or just a choice between two awful outcomes.

“That’s why I’m supporting Amendment 7 to the EU Withdrawal Bill, which would give MPs a meaningful vote on the terms of our withdrawal before we leave the EU. And if that does not live up to the vision of Brexit the British people were sold, they have the right to keep an open mind about whether it’s the right choice for the country.”

Josiah Mortimer, Editor of Left Foot Forward, said:

“The public are clear that Parliament should have a real say on the Brexit deal. That appears to be something that unites many Conservative backbenchers and supporters with the opposition – meaning Wednesday’s amendment could see a major defeat for Theresa May.

“If Dominic Grieve’s amendment does pass, it will have the support of voters, who want their MPs to hold any Brexit outcome to account. Clearly this is a rebellion that is drawing on both popular and Parliamentary pressure – something Mrs May and party whips will find hard to suppress.

“But voters also want the final divorce settlement to be held up for scrutiny. They were told they’d get their £350m a week ‘back’ for the NHS after Brexit. If it turns out we’ll be paying billions to the EU for years to come just to secure a worse deal and with no democratic say, there’s going to be a huge sense of betrayal.

“Things are about to get very interesting indeed, as the pushback against a chaotic and underhand Brexit process grows by the day.”

Eloise Todd, CEO of Best for Britain, said:

“The Brexiters told us that Parliament should be sovereign. It is a bitter irony that the very people supposedly in favour of our Parliament making decisions don’t actually want to let MPs have a say in the biggest decision facing our country. The people must be listened to and MPs need to have a final and meaningful vote.

“It’s time to show our representatives that far from being fearful of a backlash from angry Brexiters, there is much to gain electorally from resisting the headlong rush to chaos that a Brexit deal without proper parliamentary approval and scrutiny represents. December 13 must be the date on which Parliament finally takes back control.”

BMG interviewed a representative sample of 1,509 adults living in Great Britain between 5th and 8th December. Data are weighted. BMG are members of the British polling council and abide by their rules. Full details here

2 Responses to “EXCLUSIVE: MPs should have vote on Brexit ‘divorce bill’ and final deal, say public”

  1. nhsgp

    The public should have the final say.

    I’d announce that now because the EU and Westminster then have to think hard about what they try and impose.

    Will it get past the public?

    50 bn for Eurocrats and nurses sacked to pay? You’ll get a no vote.

    Lots of migrants who don’t pay their way? You’ll get a no vote.

    The alternative is Westminster dictating, and that’s what has created the mess in the first place.

  2. patrick newman

    It is a strange idea that “taking back control” means that neither Parliament nor the electorate (that is not the ‘public’) has a say on the final deal!

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