Jenny Marra: Labour must take a stand to block Brexit and we must take that stand on the floor of the House

JENNY MARRA has urged her party to block Brexit on the floor of the House of Commons.

The Labour MSP fears workers’ rights are under threat from the UK’s vote to leave the EU and urged her colleagues at Westminster to oppose the Brexit legislation at every step.

Prime Minister Theresa May holds a fragile working majority of just 12 with the support of the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party and pro-remain Conservative rebels have already inflicted a parliamentary defeat over Brexit.

But, despite research this week showing that 85% of Labour members back a second vote when the deal is agreed, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is “not advocating” another poll.

North East Scotland MSP Ms Marra rejected the idea of a second referendum, which has been suggested by the Liberal Democrats, saying Mrs May is “floundering.” She added: “Just a few weeks ago we heard that the working time directive might be ditched as a result of the Brexit negotiations.

“This is what people in progressive politics feared even when David Cameron called the referendum.”

Who will guard the guards? MSP Jenny Marra promises to hold the powerful to account

Ms Marra added: “There is a natural majority in the House of Commons when you look across the Labour, SNP and Liberal Democrat benches. There would be a real political imperative on us and a responsibility to Scotland and the rest of the country.”

MPs have a vote on the final Brexit deal and it is thought that rejecting the Government’s proposal would trigger a constitutional crisis that could lead to Brexit being reversed, while introducing an amendment to Brexit legislation that would reverse the referendum result also remains an option.

Leave-supporting Scottish Tory MP Ross Thomson branded the idea “irresponsible and reckless.” He said: “Politicians decided to put the question of EU membership to the people. The people decided.

“Any politician who thinks that result should be disregarded shows utter contempt for democracy and only serves to feed voter disaffection in politics.”