Peter Mandelson, the architect of New Labour, has declared that pro-European Union MPs must demonstrate more courage in their opposition of Brexit. Peter Mandelson's comments came after former Prime Minister and poster child for New Labour, Tony Blair, claimed that a weak Labour party was facilitating a poor Brexit deal for the United Kingdom.
Mandelson echoing Blair's arguments
Peter Mandelson, on the BBC's 'Andrew Marr Show,' said that he believed people are 'feeling bulldozed into a Brexit that they didn't vote for'. Further, Mandelson added that the government's pursuit of leaving the European Union must be challenged, echoing the sentiments of Tony Blair's speech on Friday.
'There is strong opinion across all parties that these issues are very serious but aren't being dealt with efficiently,' Mandelson said. The former first secretary of state claimed the most important issue was the ability for parliament to turn down Theresa May's Brexit strategy before it is signed by Europe.
'If it isn't good for Great Britain lets go back to the negotiating table. We shouldn't be made to settle for a bad Brexit deal. Granting MPs the ability to vote on the final Brexit strategy before it is signed by Europe is a hugely important issue and it safeguards against a Brexit the people didn't vote for,' Mandelson said.
A call to MPs
'I urge MPs from all parties to challenge Theresa May and her government's plans to enforce a hard Brexit.
We're trying to instil some courage in the Conservative MPs, put some pressure on Labour MPs, the Lib Dems and the Greens. They have to speak up in parliament,' Mandelson said.
Mandelson’s arguments contained much the same sentiment as those put forward by Tony Blair, who gave a speech on Friday that urged both pro-European Union MPs and citizens to challenge to government.
Blair's intervention was warmly received by Labour MPs but was dismissed by the front bench, who, by and large, supported Thersa May's legislation to trigger article 50.
Peter Mandelson and Tony Blair’s campaign has been rejected by multiple Conservative MPs, who have accused them both of attempting to “frustrate the will of the British people”.
