Following a heated debate where several Conservative and some Labour councillors argued against a people’s vote to give the public a final say on the Brexit deal, a Liberal Democrat motion calling for this was passed overwhelmingly at Stockport Council’s recent meeting.
Liberal Democrats argued that the impact of Brexit so far and the lack of a clear way forward in the negotiations with Europe meant that the public should be able to determine whether any proposed deal was good enough, or to decide to keep the many benefits Britons currently enjoy by staying in the European Union. Councillors voted 40 to 15 to back the Liberal Democrat proposals
Speaking after the meeting, Liberal Democrat Group Leader and Cheadle Hulme South councillor Mark Hunter said: “Theresa May’s government continues to fail to make headway with the Brexit negotiations and appears to be held hostage by an ultra-right wing faction within the Conservative Party and ten members of a hard-right party from Northern Ireland, with time rapidly running out.
“Enough is enough. We demand a People’s Vote on Europe so that the public can have the final say on whether the deal proposed is good enough or whether we would be better remaining within the European Union.”
Cllr Lisa Smart, Liberal Democrat Group Deputy Leader and Bredbury Green and Romiley councillor, said: “We have held several street polls where we ask residents five questions about the Brexit negotiations. Time and again people tell us they believe Brexit is not going well, that it will not be good for our NHS, jobs or the UK more generally, and they call for a People’s Vote on the final deal.
“Stockport Council is the latest to pass a motion on behalf of our residents calling for this and I hope the government soon realise the strength of feeling this issue is creating. We demand better.”
