Watson will take centre stage at the ‘Put It To The People’ rally over the weekend
Labour deputy leader Tom Watson will vote for Theresa May’s Brexit deal if the prime minister agrees to a second referendum on Brexit, it has been reported.
Watson is set to take centre stage at the People’s Vote rally in London on Saturday, where he will tell those in attendance that he is willing to help the struggling May providing she agrees allows “the people have a vote on it too”.
Watson’s stance is at odds with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and shadow chancellor John McDonnell, both of whom are expected to stay away from the march.
The move also increases the pressure on Corbyn to make clear his stance on a second referendum.
The Labour deputy will tell supporters: “Brexit is currently stuck in the pipework of Parliament, with MPs split, completely unable to agree or find a way forward. The current impasse is not working for people who voted to leave or people who voted to stay.
“I really don’t think Parliament will be able to resolve this.
“That’s why I’ve come to the reluctant view that the only way to resolve this and have legitimacy in the eyes of the public is for the people themselves to sign it off. It can only bring closure if we’re all involved in making the decision.
“It can only begin to bring the country back together again if we all have a final say – and then live with the result.
“So, I have an explicit message for Theresa May: I will vote for your deal or a revised deal you can agree with my party.
“I will help you get it over the line to prevent a disastrous no deal exit. But I can only vote for your deal – or any deal – if you let the people have a vote on it too.”
Hundreds of thousands are expected to take to the streets of London on Saturday in support of a People’s Vote, with marchers set to assemble on Park Lane around midday, before beginning the march at 12.30pm.
