MPs to discuss demands for a second EU referendum just 10 weeks since the historic vote for Brexit
They are set to debate petition signed by four million calling for Government to hold another vote
JUST 10 weeks since the historic vote for Brexit MPs will today discuss demands for a second referendum on Britain's European Union membership.
On their first day back from summer recess, Parliamentarians are set to debate a calling for the Government to hold another vote because turnout on June 23 was below 75% and fewer than 60% of the vote backed leaving.
It has received 4.1 million signatures, although it was subject to claims it had been hacked, something the House of Commons' Petitions Committee denied, despite confirming tens of thousands of signatures were "fraudulently" added.
At the weekend Eddie Izzard led thousands on a march in central London against the vote to quit Brussels, but it was overshadowed by a man who stole the comedian's hat.
An official Government response to the campaign said the vote to leave the EU "must be respected" and Brexit preparations must now take place.
Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to trigger Article 50 and begin the formal process of withdrawal from the EU next year.
But SNP MP Ian Blackford, a member of the Petitions Committee, will open the debate this afternoon on holding the referendum all over again because campaigners say it failed to meet the thresholds they put forward.
RELATED STORIES:
Three hours have been allocated for the discussions, which do not have the power to decide if a second referendum will actually take place.
The Petitions Committee has made clear that it is not supporting the call for another referendum by agreeing to the debate, and said the decision to schedule the topic is based on the "huge" number of signatories.
A Government minister will respond to the debate, which will take place after the new Brexit Secretary makes a statement to MPs about progress over the summer.
Speaking beforehand, David Davis said: "This is an historic and positive moment for our nation.
"Brexit isn't about making the best of a bad job. It is about seizing the huge and exciting opportunities that will flow from a new place for Britain in the world.
"There will be new freedoms, new opportunities, new horizons for this great country."
