Amber Rudd backs second Brexit referendum in light of no deal scenario

Hastings MP Amber Rudd has said a second referendum on Brexit as opposed to crashing out of Europe with no deal.
Amber Rudd MP for Hastings & RyeAmber Rudd MP for Hastings & Rye
Amber Rudd MP for Hastings & Rye

Speaking on ITV’s Peston show this week, the former Home Secretary said the UK was “in completely uncharted territory”, saying: “I think a people’s vote could be the result of an impasse.”

Asked if she would back that vote if it was the only alternative to leaving with no agreement, she replied: “Is that preferable to no deal? Absolutely.”

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It makes MS Rudd the most senior Conservative to support a fresh referendum.

But she added: “I don’t think no deal will happen,” she said, arguing a Norway-style EEA deal – effectively keeping the UK in the EU single market – remained a possibility.

Ms Rudd said she opposed a Canada style deal, which is being pushed by former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnston and commented: ““There are so many reasons a Canada-type deal doesn’t work, starting with the Irish border, going on to manufacturing, that I think we can make those arguments.”