Lib Dem conference has overwhelmingly backed Jo Swinson’s plan to formalise their position as the ‘Stop Brexit’ party and revoke Article 50.
Revoking the legal mechanism which triggered the UK’s exit from the EU could stop Brexit without a second referendum.
But some members were concerned that the new message wouldn’t reach out to people who haven’t yet been convinced by the party’s hardline “Bollocks to Brexit” campaign.
Introducing the motion the party’s Brexit spokesman Tom Brake outlined the proposed plan.
He told conference delegates: “A Liberal Democratic majority government will revoke Article 50.
“We will put an end then and there to the Brexit nightmare that is tearing the country apart.”
But he explained that if the party falls short of governing along, which with just 18 MPs currently seems likely the party’s “priority remains to back a People’s Vote”
(Image: Getty Images)
Mr Brake said that Lib Dem performance in local and European elections show that “revoking is no longer a pipedream”
“We are in reach of forming a democratic majority government,” Mr Brake added.
But Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies warned that while the party’s Brexit position was helpful in earning support – that the motion’s hardline message wouldn’t win over unsure voters.
He said: “Sixths months ago the European elections were not going to happen but today I stand here as part of the largest Lib Dem group ever to take our seats in the European Parliament.
The problem with this motion is as a message it is not enough, it doesn’t reach out, it doesn’t give us the numbers, and it doesn’t reach out to the central ground.
“Nothing in this motion helps us convince people whose minds are not completely closed.`’
Delegates gave a standing ovation to 13-year-old Niamh O’Connor – who spoke about why she believes Britain’s teens would support the party adopting the tougher Brexit stance.
The first time speaker said: “We want the same rights as you had, to work, live and study anywhere in Europe.
“But since I can’t vote it is up to you.
She added: “Johnson’s Britain is not a country that I feel like I have a future in.
“Let us be clear by supporting this motion means that voting Lib Dem means voting Remain.”
