After the referendum, 114 MPs voted AGAINST Brexit
On 1 February 2017, MPs faced a critical vote on whether to proceed with Brexit by triggering Article 50 – the formal notice to leave the EU.
In the second reading of the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, a resounding 498 MPs voted in favour.
But 114 took a stand and voted against.
My video is a tribute to those 114 MPs who spoke out and opposed Brexit at that crucial juncture.
They included Parliamentary representatives of Labour, Conservatives, SNP, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, Green Party, Social Democratic and Labour Party, as well as independent MPs.
For those in the Conservative and Labour party, it meant defying a three-line whip.
In the Conservative Party, only one MP – Ken Clarke – had the courage to break ranks and vote against triggering Article 50, against the instruction of his party leader and then Prime Minister, Theresa May.
A total of 47 Labour MPs – a fifth of Labour MPs at the time – disregarded the demand of their leader, Jeremy Corbyn, to vote in favour of Brexit.
These defiant MPs argued that it was reckless to proceed with Brexit without proper assessments, concrete details, or a coherent plan.
They contended that rushing ahead would be damaging to Britain’s future.
Looking back, many may conclude that these 114 MPs were indeed on the right side of history.
Today, many of those who opposed Brexit remain convinced it was a grave mistake.
Some are no longer in Parliament; some have changed party allegiance; others have since passed away.
A few, however, have softened their stance, now accepting Brexit or even supporting it.
Disappointingly, this includes some prominent Labour MPs who, as backbenchers, were passionately anti-Brexit but have since altered their position upon joining the party’s frontbench.
In the immediate aftermath of the referendum, the political climate was febrile. Just a few months after the EU referendum, there was immense pressure to push Brexit through swiftly.
But the 114 MPs stood firm, guided by conscience and judgement, prioritising their country and constituents over party loyalty and political ambition.
Their decision carries even greater significance today, as the realities of Brexit unfold.
While many politicians who were once vocal against Brexit now remain muted, those who still support EU membership must continue to speak up.
Your support in sharing my video matters.
By amplifying their voices, we send a clear signal to politicians that they can, and should, speak the truth – without fear or favour.
Brexit has been, and continues to be, a disaster for Britain.
- Watch the full video on YouTube:
