Second Brexit referendum Early Day Motion put to Parliament

A group of MPs are calling for any deal to be ratified by referendum

Leave supporters congregate outside the Houses of Parliament

A group of MPs have tabled a so-called Early Day Motion in parliament calling for any Brexit deal to be put to the public in a referendum.

Though Britain voted to leave the European Union last Thursday, the days following the result have been filled with speculation about what exactly leaving the bloc might entail.

Questions about whether freedom of movement should be maintained, whether Britain should have access to the European single market, and to what extent it should take part in the EU’s institutions remain unanswered.

These questions are likely to be confronted by the next Prime Minister, who is likely to be whoever wins the next Conservative leadership contest to replace David Cameron.

The motion, put forward by Labour MP Geraint Davies, says the public should be given the chance to confirm or reject any post-Brexit settlement before it is put in place.

They say the public should also be given a second opportunity to remain as part of the ballot.

Early day motions have little power and are very unlikely to ever be enforced; however they are a measure of strength of feeling among MPs on certain issues. As of Friday afternoon five MPs have signed the motion.

“This house … calls on the Government to ensure that there will be a referendum allowing UK citizens to agree on the terms of the UK-EU exit package and associated constitutional changes or on the option to remain,” the motion reads.

The signatories of the EDM are Labour MPs Mr Davies, David Lammy, Alan Meale and Catherine West. Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards has also signed the motion.