Jo Stevens, the shadow secretary for Wales, has resigned from her position due to a disagreement with Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn over Brexit. Stevens, in her parting words, branded 'leaving the European Union a terrible mistake that can not be reversed'. Stevens stated that she could not vote to trigger article 50 in good conscience.

Stevens' letter to Corbyn

In her final letter to Jeremy Corbyn, who recently issued a three-line whip to his party to vote to trigger article 50 in parliament, Stevens stated: 'I am a passionate European that voted remain.

The majority of my constituency of Cardiff also voted to remain in the European Union. I couldn't vote to trigger article 50 in good conscience. That is why I must resign from my position as shadow secretary for Wales'.

Stevens continued, writing: 'I fully accept the result of the referendum. That is democracy in action. Although leaving the European Union is inevitable, I can't reconcile my beliefs with endorsing this bill'.

Corbyn faces further rebellion

Jo Stevens was the first member of the shadow cabinet to depart over Corbyn's stance on Brexit. Although Labour aren't expecting a host of resignations, Corbyn faces internal rebellion once again. In summer last year, Corbyn faced widespread rebellion against his leadership throughout the Labour party.

Further, the recent supreme court judgement determined that Wales, Scotland and Northern Island would not be individually consulted on Brexit negotiations. Stevens raised this issue in her letter of resignation. Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of the Scottish National Party, has used the judgement to fuel her calls for a second Scottish independence referendum.

In a statement today, Sturgeon said: 'I am not surprised that Jeremy Corbyn faces rebellion in his party once again. Evidently, Brexit is a divisive issue and, despite his recent statements, Corbyn has consistently failed to take a stance on issues pertaining to Britain's departure from the European Union. I would not be surprised if the issue of Brexit further divides a Labour party that continues to lose ground under his failing leadership'.