London Mayor Sadiq Khan has this weekend called for the outcome of the Brexit negotiations to be put to the British people in a referendum.
The Labour Mayor had campaigned for Britain to stay in the EU during the EU referendum campaign and has always advocated the economic case for not leaving the EU.
But as the BBC’s Andrew Marr pointed out on his show this morning, Khan had changed his mind “quite dramatically” in now calling for a second referendum on the outcome of negotiations.
The London Mayor explained that with negotiations in disarray and the very real prospect of a “no deal” Brexit – which would be disastrous for Britain, he now believed that the British people should also be given a say on whatever Brexit Theresa May’s government managed to negotiate with the other EU member states.
“I am not one of those advocating for a re-run” he made clear to the BBC presenter, adding: “the British public should have a say on the outcome of the negotiations.”
In today’s Observer London Mayor Sadiq Khan warned of the job losses of a badly negotiated Brexit and demanded a new vote for the British people before the UK cuts ties with the EU.
Theresa May’s government had failed to ensure that the country didn’t face a “bad deal or a ‘no deal’ Brexit.”
“It’s time to take this crucial issue out of the hands of the politicians and return it to the people so that they can take back control.
“Another public vote on Brexit was never inevitable, or something I ever thought I’d have to call for.
“But the government’s abject failure – and the huge risk we face of a bad deal or a “no deal” Brexit – means that giving people a fresh say is now the right – and only – approach left for our country.”
He warned that leaving the EU in a disorderly way could lead to job losses and economic disaster and Khan slammed the British government for its handling of negotiations with the EU.
Khan also criticised his predecessor as London mayor, Boris Johnson, for prioritising political ambitions over the interests of the country.
“The unfortunate reality is that Theresa May has failed to negotiate a Brexit position with her own party – let alone agree a deal with the EU. At every stage, her government has looked unprepared and out of its depth, resulting in a litany of wrong turns,”said the London Mayor.
“And, not for the first time, it seems the debate has become more about Boris Johnson’s political ambitions than what’s good for the country.”
And in a chilling warning on the BBC’s Marr Show, the Mayor of London said that independent research showed that “’no deal’” would lead to 500,000 fewer jobs, 87,000 fewer jobs in London alone. And £50 billion less investment in our country.”
