Brexit: Redbridge Council to prepare a “risk register” and call on government for general election or second referendum
A flag flown by pro-EU protesters taking part in a march in London. - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
What impact will Brexit have on the borough’s businesses? On staffing? And EU employees?
Redbridge Council is set to figure this out as it calls on the government to give the people a second decision on Brexit in the form of either a referendum or general election.
Councillors exchanged heated words during a lengthy debate on Brexit at last night’s (November 22) full council meeting in Redbridge Town Hall, in Ilford High Road.
Tabled by Labour councillor Paul Donovan, it called on council officers to analyse the impact of Brexit and put in place “plans to safeguard public services and residents” to avoid “dropping off the cliff” on March 29 next year.
“Now, there are more facts on the table, people know what is being offered, they must be given another chance to decide,” Cllr Donovan said.
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“This should come in the form of a general election or people’s vote which includes the option to remain on the ballot paper.”
The motion underwent a change of wording days before the meeting, having originally called simply for an immediate general election and vote of no confidence in the government.
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It now includes a number of measures for the council such as creating a “risk register” of the impact of deal and no-deal scenarios on recruitment and retention of EU staff and supply chains, among other areas.
It also calls for EU staff to have access to legal advice to help understand their rights and obtain citizenship, permanent residence or settled and pre-settled status.
“The motion here tonight will be agreed regardless of the rubbish,” said opposition leader, Conservative councillor Linda Huggett.
“We should be collecting our residents’ rubbish not spouting it out in the chamber.
“We have already had a people’s vote and we have voted to leave.
“This motion tonight, madam mayor, is the Labour Party playing pure party politics.
“This is why we have not wasted our own time in amending this motion.”
The motion was passed with 45 voting in favour, 12 against and six not voting.
