'Waiting for that yes or no' Sky host roasts Labour politician over party's Brexit stance
A LABOUR frontbencher was left to pick up the pieces after Jeremy Corbyn repeatedly swerved the opportunity to “categorically say” if he would take the UK out of the EU.
Ridge grills Labour MP after Corbyn swerves Brexit question
Sophy Ridge blasted shadow transport minister Andy McDonald, the incumbent MP for Middlesborough, after his party leader avoided giving a direct answer six times during an interview with the BBC.
He instead insisted there was a “clear vote” at last year’s referendum and outlined his parties negotiation priorities.
The Sky News presenter then took up the issue with Mr McDonald and asked if he could “clear it up once and for all”.
He said: “Well the decision has been made, we are leaving the European Union and now it’s a matter of the terms upon which we leave the European Union.
Sophy Ridge and Andy McDonald clashed on Sky News over Labour's Brexit stance
Jeremy Corbyn dodges Brexit questions in BBC roasting
Well, of course, it’s yes – the people have spoken, we had a referendum
“And what we will argue for is that we don’t head towards the cliff-edge and just abandon all of the things that we have had the benefit of for at least 40 years.
“And David Davis himself did promise us that we would have exactly the same benefits, so we want access to those markets, it would be ridiculous just to kiss goodbye to all of that and think that we can carry on with the same situation in our own country, that would be madness.
“But we’re leaving the European Union, we’re leaving.”
Not content with the response, Ridge probed further.
Jeremy Corbyn insisted there was a “clear vote” at last year’s referendum
“So that’s a yes then is it?” she asked. “You’re saying that Labour would take the UK out of the EU.”
“On the best possible terms,” replied Mr McDonald before he was cut off by the host.
“I’m still waiting for that yes or no,” said Ridge.
The politician then finally gave a definitive answer. He replied: “Well, of course, it’s yes – the people have spoken, we had a referendum, I don’t know how much more clear we need to make it.”