Brexit: Cross-party MPs launch 'killer amendment' push for fresh EU referendum

'People must have the right to look at the final plans, the evidence about consequences and have the opportunity to change their mind'

Cross-party MPs have launched a push for a fresh EU referendum as they attempt to build momentum for a "killer amendment" on any Brexit deal Theresa May tables in the Commons.

The move, backed by MPs from the major political parties, is being spearheaded by the Conservative backbencher, Sarah Wollaston, and claims to have the backing of more than 100 MPs.

According to the Observer, if passed, the motion will make clear the prime minister's deal will be dependent on a public vote taking place beforehand.

Those backing the call are MPs who have worked in the NHS and claim leaving the EU will have a negative impact on "health, science and the economy in ways that will touch all of our lives".

Ms Wollaston told the newspaper that without a fresh public vote there is "no informed consent" to Brexit, adding: "The consequences will last for generations.

"Valid consent requires the government to set out the final version of Brexit and allow people to weigh up the risks and benefits.

"As a group of four current and former clinicians we feel that the principle of informed consent is as important when it comes to Brexit as it to patients when weighing up the pros and cons of surgery.

"People must have the right to look at the final plans, the evidence about consequences and have the opportunity to change their mind."

But the MPs believe they will only succeed in their effort if Jeremy Corbyn whips his party to vote for the measure when the prime minister seeks a vote on any deal she returns from Brussels with.

At the party's annual conference in Liverpool, a Labour motion said all options would remain on the table in regards to a second vote of public opinion, but made clear its preferred option and priority would be to push for a general election.

A senior Labour figure added: "There are some supporters of a second referendum who think the main push should come later, amid the chaos that would ensue from [Ms] May's deal failing to get through parliament or a no-deal.

"But we believe a killer amendment like this could be our only chance," they added. "We cannot afford to miss it".

Labour MP Paul Williams, who put forward the motion with Ms Wollaston, added: "Before politicians make the biggest leap that this country will make in all of our lifetimes, we should check with people to make sure this is really, really what they want to do. We now know so much more than we did in 2016. Companies are stopping investments in the UK. NHS staff are leaving because they don’t feel welcome. Medical research collaboration with Europe is ending.

“Our country will become poorer, have less influence and have less control with the type of Brexit deal that Theresa May is agreeing. Is this really a price worth paying?”

The action from MPs comes after 700,000 pro-EU demonstrators marched through central London last week, demanding a fresh vote on any deal Theresa May returns from with from the negotiations in Brussels.

The Independent’s petition calling for a new vote also passed one million signatures on Saturday – three months after the drive was launched and growing concern over the prospect of a no-deal outcome.

Speaking to The Independent, the Labour MP Chuka Umunna said: “Last week over 700,000 people from all over the country and from all walks of life took to the streets to demand a say over the biggest decision this country faces since the Second World War. This week sees The Independent’s petition for a Final Say reach over one million signatures.

“As the disaster of Brexit unfolds, and more and more people reach the conclusion that however you voted in 2016 no one voted for this mess, the momentum for a people’s vote just gets stronger. This cannot be ignored by the main parties.”