A delegation of senior Labour backbenchers were travelling to Brussels on Wednesday to argue that the party should begin to “shape the debate” on Brexit in the wake of the article 50 court case. The group of 17 Labour MPs are led by Emma Reynolds, formerly the shadow Europe minister, who was to use a lecture to outline the party’s response to what she said was a disastrous government approach to exiting the EU. Reynolds said last week’s high court ruling that parliament must approve the enactment of article 50 meant MPs suddenly had a far greater role to play in the Brexit process, and it was important for Labour to outline its position. Among the other MPs heading to Brussels were Angela Eagle, Maria Eagle, Paula Sherriff, Mary Creagh, Stephen Kinnock, Chris Leslie and Lilian Greenwood. In extracts released in advance, the Labour MP condemns as “meaningless” Theresa May’s mantra of “Brexit means Brexit”, saying she fears the government is intent on a hard departure from the EU, which would damage the economy.

Source: The Guardian November 09, 2016 12:12 UTC