Hain launches Brexit Bill bid as Lords debate Article 50

Peter Hain is to demand the UK remains in the single market and retains a completely open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic when legislation reaches the House of Lords today.

The peer will attack Prime Minister Theresa May for failing to represent the 48 per cent who voted in favour of Remain and argue her exit strategy could lead to a “Trump Brexit” that turns the UK into a low tax haven.

He will attempt to head off criticism about his plans to water down the Bill by insisting he is reflecting the views of most Labour voters.

Lord Hain will argue: “Critics say ‘what right have I, an unelected peer, to oppose this Bill or even to seek radically to amend it?’

“But I was appointed by my party. And in the referendum, two thirds of Labour electors voted to Remain. That’s what I am reflecting, that’s my mandate.

“Especially as the Prime Minister is behaving as if she only represents the 52 per cent of citizens who voted Leave. I don’t deny they won, or that the outcome has to be respected. But what about the 48 per cent who voted Remain?

“The truth is the country was split down the middle - and still is. If the Prime Minister were really acting in the national interest, she would be representing them too. She would be pursuing a ‘one nation Brexit’ not a partisan hard, right wing Brexit.”

Lord Hain, a former Northern Ireland Secretary, will warn the peace process could unravel under Brexit and has tabled an amendment, backed by another former holder of the post, Lord Murphy of Torfaen, calling for the border to remain open.

He will insist: “A ‘one nation Brexit’ would also mean guaranteeing a completely open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic - no security checks, no controls, physical or electronic. Otherwise I believe the peace process could unravel, as indeed Bertie Ahern, the former Taoiseach and so important to the success of that process has said.”

Lord Hain will also push for a vote on keeping Britain in the single market.