Labour calls for compromise plan to prevent ‘catastrophic’ no-deal Brexit

Labour could secure a Commons majority for a compromise Brexit plan to avoid a “catastrophic” no-deal break with the EU, shadow chancellor John McDonnell has claimed.

Mr McDonnell said he believed a “unity platform” was emerging at Westminster to protect jobs and the economy.

Following Theresa May’s tumultuous appearance in the Commons on Thursday, when MPs from all sides lined up to condemn her Brexit deal, he said it was clear she could not get it through the House.

He said said that when the government of the day was unable to command a Commons majority, the constitutional convention was that the opposition should be invited to form an administration.

He suggested Labour could seek support for an alternative agreement with the EU based on a permanent customs union and a “close collaborative relationship” with the single market.

“I think we can secure a majority. What is absolutely certain is that the Government’s proposal won’t command a majority in the House of Commons,” he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

“Anyone having seen what happened in the House of Commons yesterday realises that the proposals that the Prime Minister brought forward will not command a majority and therefore there has to be some discussions. There has to be some movement.

“You saw in the debate yesterday, and certainly some of the discussions that have taken place around the House of Commons, people have looked over the edge of a no-deal Brexit and realised it could be catastrophic for our economy.

“I think our European partners also have looked over the edge of a no-deal Brexit and seen what an impact it could have on their economies.

“So I think what is emerging within the House of Commons now is almost a unity platform to avoid a no-deal, and therefore get down to serious discussions about what could construct a deal which would enable us to protect jobs and the economy.

“I think that is beginning to emerge around the permanency of the customs union, the relationship with the single market.”

Mr McDonnell rejected claims that it was too late to re-open negotiations with Brussels on the terms of the withdrawal agreement.

“We have met [EU chief negotiator] Michel Barnier and others. If you can create the right atmosphere and relationship, there can be negotiations that are constructive,” he said.

“I think everyone realises the dangers that there are of a no-deal Brexit, both for the UK but also for Europe itself. I think there is a sense of urgency now about getting on with a proper negotiation.”