Brexit

#NewEuropeans condemns attack on MP's who wants #Brexit deal backed in return for #PeoplesVote

Published

7 years ago

February 26, 2019

The office of Peter Kyle (pictured), MP for Brighton Hove, has been vandalized in an attack which some fear may be linked to his prominent role in the Brexit debate.

Speaking after the attack, which saw vandals smash a street level window pane at his constituency surgery, Peter Kyle said: “As a consequence of my increased role in the Brexit debate, our amazing local police carried out a review of security. It's why we returned the 'No Place For Hate' poster to the window as it felt like we needed reminding of it. It's an irony that that's the window that's been smashed."

Kyle has come to prominence in the last fortnight following his decision along with MP Phil Wilson to take up a proposal, originally put forward by activists from the leading civil rights organization New Europeans, to back Theresa May's deal in return for a referendum on the final deal.

Speaking out against the attack and in solidarity with Peter Kyle, New Europeans founder and former MP, Roger Casale said: "We should show zero tolerance for this kind of attack which is a clear form of intimidation and which can easily escalate into physical abuse and violence against the person. All credit to Peter for taking sensible precautions - the window that was smashed had been replaced with toughened glass just a few days earlier on the advice of the police. We will also be reviewing our security arrangements in the light of this attack."

The campaign for a referendum on the actual Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by Theresa May as opposed to a re-run of the 201t Brexit referendum has been gaining support, notably from John McDonnell MP, Shadow Chancellor. He is said to be warming to the idea following representations from New Europeans, community groups, trade unions and MPs.

"There is a real sense that this is a grassroots campaign, not just the whim of one or two MPs. That is the real strength of this proposal and what is scaring those who want Britain to leave the EU at any price. But as Peter Kyle MP rightly said - it is a mistake to think that such attacks can silence our voices; on the contrary, it will only make us stronger," Casale said.

New Europeans plans to step up the campaign in the wake of the attack on Peter Kyle's office and is rallying support from civil society groups and from MEPs and MPs to get behind the proposal which would also require an extension of Article 50.

Important votes are expected in the House of Commons this week in relation to the latest developments with Brexit but the main vote on the Withdrawal Agreement itself has been postponed again until 12 March.

Commenting on the delay, Casale said:"It is really shameful that Theresa May should once again have opted to kick the can down the road but we will use the extra time to campaign for our proposal and to persuade MPs of all parties to support the Kyle/Wilson amendment."

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