Only two Labour MPs sided with the Government in last night’s critical House of Commons vote – Kate Hoey and John Mann. Labour has, in the past, struggled to stem the number of MPs voting with the Government over Brexit.
The Conservative rebellion has rightly been the focus of political commentators. However, last night’s sizeable and bigger-than-expected majority was helped by Labour Party ‘discipline’.
It is possible that all the opposition parties will agree on a common manifesto. There are currently obvious areas of disagreement (e.g. corporation tax, where Labour favours an increase, and the contentious employee share scheme).
However, there will be areas where Labour, the SNP, the Lib Dems, the Greens, Plaid Cymru and various independents may be able to agree on policy, irrespective of Brexit. This may, for example, include increased investment to combat climate change.
The participation of up to 21 former Conservative MPs will be critical in reaching a cross-party alliance to claim it represents the best interests of business. The involvement of an ex-Chancellor will be crucial here, in persuading businesses to back a coalition government that will either keep the UK in the EU, or at the very minimum, secure a customs union.
Boris Johnson’s threat to the Tory rebels backfired last night. However, it is the cross-party cooperation that now holds the key to overturning the 2016 referendum result. The latest opinion polls suggest remain has a 6 percentage point lead over leave.
