Early Parliamentary General Election

Part of Deferred Divisions – in the House of Commons at 8:23 pm on 4 September 2019.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Jo Swinson Jo Swinson Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Leader of the Liberal Democrats 8:23, 4 September 2019

I have already given way to somebody on the Government Benches. I am going to say what I have to say.

The way I think that this is best resolved is by putting this issue to the people in a people’s vote to decide on a Brexit way forward. I do not believe there is a majority in this country for any specific type of Brexit deal. I am not even convinced there is a majority in the Conservative party for any type of Brexit deal.

We could have a general election. I say to the Prime Minister that such an election should be held in a responsible, calm and orderly way, and not with the threat of crashing out with no deal either during the campaign or in the immediate aftermath. If he wants an election, extend article 50 for the purposes of having a general election and bring it on. If he is not prepared to do that, do not be surprised when people are not fooled by his tactics and vote against him.