Greens launch policy to give voters the final say on Brexit plans.

Today at the Space art studio in Hackney Green Party leader Caroline Lucas and Bristol parliamentary candidate and MEP Molly Scott Cato launch

ed a policy calling for a second referendum on Britain’s exit from the EU.

The Green Party would hold a second referendum on any Brexit deal agreed with the EU. Voters would have the option of sticking with the current arrangement or accepting the deal as offered.

Speaking to an audience of party activists Caroline Lucas said that “Whoever wins this election has a mandate to negotiate on behalf of the British people – but that does not mean that they have a right to impose a final deal. Instead we demand a ratification referendum which gives people the option to remain in the EU if they wish, or to vote to back the Government’s deal.

She added “A democracy worthy of the name must mean people having a real say over the major decisions that affect their lives. That’s why the Green Party has consistently said that the referendum should be the start, not the end, of the democratic process. And it’s why today we are announcing our intention to push for remaining in the EU to be an option in a ratification referendum.”

Molly Scott Cato, Green candidate for Bristol West and the party’s spokesperson in the European Parliament said “Take back control was the strap line which persuaded many to vote Leave in the referendum last year. It's now clear what that meant. A power grab by the Tory right so they can make a bonfire of regulations which protect our rights and environment. A ratification referendum must give back control. People must be given an opportunity to vote for the future on offer at the end of the article 50 process, or decide whether actually we are better off remaining a full member of the EU.”

Adding that “Our message is simple. For a final say, and for a chance to vote to stay in the EU, vote Green.”

At last year’s referendum Stoke-on-Trent voted by a huge majority to leave the EU, local party activist Adam Colclough said “ we respect the wish to leave the EU expressed by people at the ballot box last year, however since then the facts that have emerged about what a ‘hard Brexit’ could entail have caused many people to think again.’

He added that “Under the terms the government seem to want Brexit could damage our economy and public services could be seriously damaged, this policy gives all concerned an opportunity to reflect on what is a serious decision and, maybe, to change their minds.”

Concluding her speech Caroline Lucas said “There are some who say that this is a re-run of the referendum, but that simply isn’t the case. Instead this is giving people an informed say over our shared future. If the Government is so convinced that they’ll get a decent deal then there’s no reason that they wouldn’t trust people to have a final say.

Notes:
1. Event details:
Time: 10.30am
Date: Tuesday 2 May 2017
Place: The Space Studios, 129-131 Mare Street, London, E8 3RH

For more information contact: press@greenparty.org.uk / 0203 691 9401