Parties pile pressure on Jeremy Corbyn over confidence vote in Government

Jeremy Corbyn was today urged to accept “responsibility” and lead efforts for a no confidence vote in the Government.

The SNP, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and the Greens tabled a vote of no confidence after Theresa May delayed a vote on the Brexit deal.

The parties need the Labour leader’s signature for the motion to be given official time in the Commons to be debated and voted on.

SNP leader in Westminster, Ian Blackford, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Mr Corbyn must accept the “responsibility” of leading the official opposition — and sign their joint motion.

“I say to Jeremy ‘come with us’. Let’s show leadership in the House of Commons because the Prime Minister is taking us to a cliff edge,” he said.

Mr Corbyn was ridiculed on Monday for tabling a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister, rather than the Government. It meant the Government was able to invoke its right not to give the motion any time for it to be debated and voted on.

Critics say he is reluctant to push for a motion against the Government as if it fails he would have to consider backing a second referendum.