Labour MPs were told to abstain from voting on a second referendum amendment during tonight’s series of Commons votes. Labour MPs Stephanie Peacock, Ruth Smeeth, Yvonne Fovargue, Emma Lewell-Buck and Justin Madders resigned over the second referendum vote. Ms Peacock said in a letter to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn that she wished to respect the result of the 2016 EU referendum.
Ms Peacock said: “It is with deep regret I tonight resigned from Labour’s front bench, because I believe we should respect the result of the 2016 vote to leave the European Union.
“I was elected in the Labour manifesto that pledged to respect the result of the 2016 EU referendum. The people of Barnsley deleted me to honour that promise and that is what I did tonight.”
Ms Peacock said her decision was not one she took lightly she believes the people spoke in 2016 – which was a decision that must be enacted on.
Ms Peacock said: “I entirely understand and accept that if a Member of Parliament cannot follow the Labour Whip the honourable thing to do is to leave the front bench.”
Her resignation comes hours after Labour MP Ruth Smeeth’s resignation from the front bench.
Ms Smeeth resigned “in order to vote against a second referendum.”
She tweeted: “I’ve resigned from Labour’s front bench this evening in order to vote against a second referendum.
“This was a difficult decision but I have a duty to support the will of my constituents. We need to leave, and leave with a deal that works with the potteries.”
Labour MP Emma Lewell-Buck also later confirmed on Twitter she had resigned from her position as shadow minister for children and families.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said in a statement: “I would like to thank Yvonne, Emma, Ruth, Justin and Stephanie for their service while on the Labour frontbench.
“I understand the difficulties MPs have felt representing the views of their constituents during this process.
“All of us across the House now have the opportunity to work together to find a solution to the crisis the government has plunged us into. Labour’s alternative plan can unite people, however they voted in 2016.
“I look forward to continuing to work with them to secure a Labour government, end austerity and give real hope to the whole country.”
An amendment tabled by The Independent Group (TIG) MP Sarah Wollaston aimed to secure a second referendum on Brexit.
TIG former earlier this year after former Labour and Tory MPs quit their parties over their differing views on Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.
However, MPs tonight rejected their attempt to secure a second vote on Brexit.
On Thursday the House of Commons voted by 334 to 85 against the amendment.
The vote was won by a majority of 245 with most Labour MPs abstaining.
TIG Brexit spokeswoman Anna Soubry said: “This is a betrayal of Labour Party members and voters, Labour MPs, Labour’s conference policy and, most importantly, the British public.”
She continued: “The Labour Party leadership are determined to deliver Brexit, which would harm our country.
“But The Independent Group will not give up. We will keep up the pressure for a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal.
“We’ll keep holding the Government to account and providing the real opposition our country needs. The British people deserve the final say on Brexit.”
Labour abstainers published an open letter with an explanation of their position.
They said: “We are all deeply committed to securing a People’s Vote.
“But to win that vote we need to women a vote in the House of Commons.
“The next chance of that is via the so-called Kyle/Wilson amendment which isn’t being voted on today.”