Jeremy Corbyn has indicated he could launch a fresh bid to oust Theresa May if her Brexit deal is rejected by MPs for a third time.
The Labour leader said it would be “appropriate” to table another confidence motion in the Government at that point.
Mr Corbyn also indicated that his party could back an amendment calling for a referendum on a Brexit deal, although he would not set out which side he would be on in another public vote.
‘At that point we should say there has to be a general election’ – @jeremycorbyn says Labour will move a no confidence motion against the government if Theresa May’s Brexit deal is defeated for a third time this week. #Ridge
For more, head here: https://t.co/KpKvynnkfY pic.twitter.com/fuYfBAveBt
— Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) March 17, 2019
Appearing on Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday, he said: “The Government is apparently going to bring its proposals once again to Parliament this week. I suspect they will be defeated again.
“The whole process they are doing is running down the clock.
“I think at that point a confidence motion will be appropriate. At that point we should say there has to be a general election so the people of this country can decide ‘do they want a Labour government investing in people’s communities, dealing with inequality, injustice and having a relationship with Europe that protects jobs and guarantees our trade for the future?’”
Pressed on whether a defeat on the third meaningful vote would be the trigger to launch a motion he said: “We will obviously decide the exact moment.”
Mr Corbyn stressed that Labour was “not supporting Theresa May’s deal at all because we think it’s a blindfold Brexit which will actually do enormous damage to our economy”.
‘No, we’re not supporting Theresa May’s deal at all’ – Labour leader @jeremycorbyn says his party backs a ‘credible choice referendum’ on the UK’s future relationship with the EU.#Ridge
For more, head here: https://t.co/KpKvynnkfY pic.twitter.com/bOkdhnxEHu
— Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) March 17, 2019
But he indicated that the party could officially back an amendment tabled by backbenchers Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson who have put forward a plan to support the deal on the condition it is put to a referendum.
“We have obviously got to see the wording of it,” Mr Corbyn said.
Asked if he was “enthusiastic” about a referendum, Mr Corbyn said: “I’m enthusiastic about getting a deal with Europe which guarantees our future trading relationship and protects job and industries in this country.
“I do think people should have a choice on that.”
Challenged on whether he would vote Remain in a referendum , Mr Corbyn said: “It depends what the choice is in front of us.
“If we have got a good deal in which we can have a dynamic relationship with Europe, which is all the trading relationship and so on, then that might be a good way forward that unites the country.”
Repeatedly challenged on whether he wanted to leave the EU Mr Corbyn said: “We want to have a relationship with the EU of the type I set out and people will have a choice on that.
“But there will be a credible choice in any referendum that Labour proposes.”
Mr Corbyn will step up cross-party efforts to break the deadlock this week.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, Liberal Democrat Sir Vince Cable, Plaid’s Liz Saville Roberts and Green MP Caroline Lucas have accepted the offer of talks.
The “no to no deal” ringleaders Labour’s Jack Dromey and Tory Dame Caroline Spelman and the “Common Market 2.0” cross-party group will also meet Mr Corbyn, as will senior Labour backbenchers Yvette Cooper and Hilary Benn.
Mr Corbyn said: “I look forward to those and more meetings this week so that we can do what the Government should have started two years ago – namely reach out, engage and listen to different views and find a consensus on Brexit which helps bring our country back together.”
