Despite growing pressure from MPs, David Davis says there will be no parliamentary debate on Single Market membership
David Davis has reiterated the government will not offer MPs a vote on the terms of Brexit, despite growing pressure from across parties.
Speaking in the House of Commons today, Davis said the UK's referendum vote represented a “clear overwhelming and unarguable mandate”, warning that “no-one should seek to find ways to thwart the will of the people.”
His comments represent a continuation of the line taken by Downing Street since the emergence of a cross-party group of MPs seeking to secure parliamentary approval for any move to take the UK out of the Single Market.
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Earlier today, a spokesman for Theresa May said a vote in parliament was “not an acceptable way forward”.
It comes as growing numbers of MPs from across parties demand oversight of the government's preparations for Brexit.
The Conservatives had already seen the likes of former ministers Nicky Morgan and Anna Soubry breaking cover over the weekend.
And today has seen one Tory Leave backer accuse the Prime Minister of “tyranny” over Brexit, while Treasury Select Committee chair Andrew Tyrie has also weighed in.
Tyrie, who backed a Remain vote, told BBC Radio that he estimated a majority of MPs would back a debate on the best way to quit the EU.
"Parliament certainly should debate what we want to arrive at," Tyrie said. "It seems to me that British interests would be best served by an early and full and detailed explanation from the government of what its negotiating position is, before it embarks on those discussions."
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And newly appointed shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer said today that his party would also back a debate among MPs.
Accusing Davis of "sidelining parliament", Starmer said that Labour is calling for a vote on "the basic terms proposed by the government" ahead of Article 50 being invoked.
"It is making sure that we get the best possible deal for Britain. It is making sure that the government has a plan. It is basic accountability on some of the most important decisions of our lifetime."