Andrew Adonis demands a second referendum on Brexit

Remain ringleader Andrew Adonis demanded a second referendum on Brexit today as he moved a wrecking amendment to flagship laws on leaving the EU.

The former Labour cabinet minister was the second to speak on the first day of a historic two-day debate on draft laws.

Some 196 peers are listed to speak over the next two days in what is likely to be the longest debate in the history of the House of Lords.

Former Labour cabinet minister Lord Adonis was the second to speak on the first day of a historic two-day debate on draft laws

Lord Adonis’ wrecking amendment will be called to a vote late tomorrow night but is certain to be defeated. It could attract scores of protest votes.

Lord Adonis said: ‘We owe our fellow citizens the right to decide the terms on which Brexit should proceed.’

The former minister, who resigned from a government post late last year with an incenediary rant at Brexit, derided supporters of the mission to take Britain out.

He accused them of being able to ‘make lies sound truthful and give the appearance of solidity to pure whims’. 

Lords Leader Baroness Evans of Bowes Park said it was an honour to open the debate on such an important Bill

The House of Lords was packed this morning ahead of what could prove to be the longest debate in its history 

Earlier, opening the debate Lords Leader Baroness Evans of Bowes Park said it was an honour to open the debate on such an important Bill.

‘This Bill ensures we have a functioning statute book on the day we leave,’ she told peers.

‘It is about providing certainty and continuity for people and businesses.

‘It is about ensuring people’s rights are upheld, and legal protections are maintained.

‘It is vital to a smooth and orderly exit from the EU. My Lords, this Bill is not about revisiting the arguments of the referendum.’