- A delegation of pro-EU MPs is holding talks with Michel Barnier in Brussels
- Tory rebels Dominic Grieve and Anna Soubry are among the cross-party group
- Meeting comes amid mounting pressure for a softer approach to Brexit
Pro-European MPs are set to meet the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels today.
Tory rebels including Dominic Grieve and Anna Soubry will be among the delegation, along with Labour’s Chuka Umunn and Chris Leslie.
The talks come as Remainers up the pressure for a softer approach to Brexit – with some demanding the process be cancelled altogether.
The government is also braced for more resistance to the EU Withdrawal Bill when it returns to the Commons tomorrow and Wednesday.
Former attorney general Mr Grieve, who led a revolt which forced the government to commit to a ‘meaningful’ vote on the final withdrawal deal, described the visit as an opportunity to have a ‘better understanding’ of the EU’s position.
Tory rebels including Dominic Grieve (left) and Anna Soubry will be among the delegation, along with Labour’s Chuka Umunna
Mr Barnier has been meeting a range of UK politicians – including Brexiteers such as former UKIP leader Nigel Farage
Mr Barnier has been meeting a range of UK politicians – including Brexiteers such as Nigel Farage.
The former UKIP leader encouraged Remainer hopes last week by seemingly endorsing the prospect of another referendum.
Mr Farage said he thought the new ballot might be needed to ‘kill off’ the issue once and for all.
Amid a wave of condemnation from Brexiteers, Mr Farage later tried to backtrack by insisting he had merely been voicing concerns that relentless opposition from Europhiles in parliament could end up torpedoing the UK’s departure.
Theresa May has flatly reject the idea of a second national vote warning that it would only throw the process into chaos.
Polls suggest that there is little appetite among the public for another referendum.
However, Jeremy Corbyn sparked fresh speculation yesterday by pointedly refusing to rule out backingthe idea.
Speaking on ITV’s Peston programme, Mr Corbyn made clear he was not yet calling for a new national poll on withdrawal – but said he was not implacably opposed to one either.
The Labour leader told ITV’s Peston On Sunday: ‘We are not supporting or calling for a second referendum. What we have called for is a meaningful vote in Parliament.’
Close ally Emily Thornberry also suggested the party would shift its position if public opinion turned dramatically against leaving the bloc.
Theresa May (pictured at church in her Maidenhead constituency with husband Philip) has flatly reject the idea of a second national vote warning that it would only throw the process into chaos
Mr Farage encouraged Remainer hopes last week by seemingly endorsing the prospect of another referendum