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2019 European elections: Lib Dems stand on 'stop Brexit' message | |
(32 minutes later) | |
The Liberal Democrats have launched their European election campaign with a "simple" and "unambiguous" pledge to stop Brexit. | |
Leader Sir Vince Cable accused the Tories and Labour of a "stitch-up" and said the UK was "in paralysis". | |
He called for a "people's vote" on whether people wanted to continue with Brexit or remain in the EU. | |
The UK is due to leave the EU on 31 October, after Brexit was delayed amid continuing parliamentary deadlock. | The UK is due to leave the EU on 31 October, after Brexit was delayed amid continuing parliamentary deadlock. |
It means the UK must now hold European elections on 23 May, or leave on 1 June without a deal. | It means the UK must now hold European elections on 23 May, or leave on 1 June without a deal. |
But if agreement can be reached among MPs before 22 May, the UK could cancel its participation in the European parliamentary elections. | But if agreement can be reached among MPs before 22 May, the UK could cancel its participation in the European parliamentary elections. |
However, cross-party talks aimed at reaching consensus have yet to make significant progress. | However, cross-party talks aimed at reaching consensus have yet to make significant progress. |
Speaking in Wapping, east London, Sir Vince said his "exit from Brexit" catchphrase had been regarded as a "bit wacky" but was now "the mainstream" and likened their stance to the Lib Dems' opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq - backed by the Tories and Labour at the time. | |
"At the time we were regarded as way out on a limb, unpatriotic - and we were vindicated, we were proved right. And that's why I believe we will be right about Europe." | |
But he said he regretted that the Lib Dems were not standing on a common platform with other Remain-backing parties, to stop Brexit. | |
"We should be standing together," he said - adding millions of Remain-backing Britons would expect that. | |
"The Liberal Democrats made it very clear we were happy to work with others, it wasn't reciprocated and we are going our own way." | |
He said he expected the party to do well but added: "It is a pity and I regret that we are not doing a combined campaign." | |
He described reports of a leaked document which suggests that newly formed Change UK will seek to "win over" Liberal Democrat supporters, as "unfortunate". |