British PM May clashes with ex-PM Blair over Brexit
- 5 years ago
British Prime Minister Theresa May has clashed with former prime minister Tony Blair over suggestions of a second referendum on Brexit.
Ro Aram has more.
On Friday, Blair said MPs might back a new vote on Brexit if no other options work.
"So, what seemed a few months ago unlikely is now I would say above a 50 percent likelihood - we will go back to the people. Ultimately, this could even make sense to the prime minister, who could perfectly legitimately say I did my best, my deal was rejected by parliament, and you the people must give direction because parliament cannot...."
May reacted angrily the day after, accusing Blair of undermining Brexit talks.
She added that Blair's comments were an "insult to the office he once held and the people he once served."
The former prime minister hit back on Sunday, saying he was speaking in the national interest and in the interests of democracy.
He said if May's government cannot reach a divorce deal, then the logical thing is to go back to the people.
He added that May was being irresponsible for trying to steamroll MPs into accepting a deal they genuinely thought was bad.
As May's Brexit deal hangs in the balance, with many MPs opposed to it, there have been increased calls for a second referendum - which London has repeatedly ruled out.
A parliamentary vote is slated for next month and the government has warned the UK could leave the EU without a deal if May's proposal is voted down.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.
Ro Aram has more.
On Friday, Blair said MPs might back a new vote on Brexit if no other options work.
"So, what seemed a few months ago unlikely is now I would say above a 50 percent likelihood - we will go back to the people. Ultimately, this could even make sense to the prime minister, who could perfectly legitimately say I did my best, my deal was rejected by parliament, and you the people must give direction because parliament cannot...."
May reacted angrily the day after, accusing Blair of undermining Brexit talks.
She added that Blair's comments were an "insult to the office he once held and the people he once served."
The former prime minister hit back on Sunday, saying he was speaking in the national interest and in the interests of democracy.
He said if May's government cannot reach a divorce deal, then the logical thing is to go back to the people.
He added that May was being irresponsible for trying to steamroll MPs into accepting a deal they genuinely thought was bad.
As May's Brexit deal hangs in the balance, with many MPs opposed to it, there have been increased calls for a second referendum - which London has repeatedly ruled out.
A parliamentary vote is slated for next month and the government has warned the UK could leave the EU without a deal if May's proposal is voted down.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.