MEMBERS of Leeds for Europe met with Ilkley’s Labour MP John Grogan on Saturday to discuss Brexit and to present a petition requesting a people’s vote once the terms of leaving the European Union become clear.

The campaign group has no political affiliation but believes it is right and appropriate for voters to be given a chance to have their say on the terms of the deal once they become known. Leeds for Europe is campaigning all over Yorkshire, talking to people about Brexit and how they might be affected once the UK leaves the European Union.

Various issues were discussed including the risk assessment documents relating to Brexit. Of particular interest was whether there existed an assessment of risk following Brexit specific to Yorkshire. Mr Grogan thought that the documents would be available for review by Parliament after the final deal but before the ‘meaningful’ vote in the House.

How the Labour Party may respond to the final Brexit deal was outlined by Mr Grogan who thought that the Party was likely to reject the final deal if it did not meet with Labours six tests. It was likely that the three line whipp would be applied to both the Labour and Conservative MPs. Mr Grogan told the group he thought any final deal could either be agreed at a special European Council meeting on November 17/18 or at the regular meeting planned for December 13/14 . The promised ‘meaningful vote ‘ on any deal in Parliament was therefore likely to take place just before or just after Christmas

At the close of the meeting held at the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley members of Leeds for Europe presented the petition to Mr Grogan which he accepted. He was thanked for agreeing to meet with the members of Leeds for Europe and for his time.

John Grogan said: “The key vote on Europe will be in Parliament probably before or just after Christmas on the final deal or possibly later if no deal is reached.

“I will be voting against this deal unless we are effectively staying in the Single Market and Customs Union on a permanent basis as I believe only then will many Yorkshire jobs be protected.

“If Parliament votes the deal down all sorts of possibilities – including a further referendum – will be on the agenda. Obviously either Parliament or a referendum can take the decision on the deal - they cannot both do so at the same time. My own view is that a majority for a second referendum is only likely to be supported in Parliament if the deal is rejected and politicians on all sides have then to confront the impasse.”