I chaired the 'Oxford4Europe' Brexit panel in Town Hall, attended by almost 400 concerned Oxford residents. The panel followed an open letter to Ox-ford's MPs (published in the Oxford Mail) which my colleagues Andy McKay & Tessa Clayton and I had signed.
Alongside Alistair Fitt, Vice Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, the panel included representatives of Labour (Andrew Smith, Labour MP for Oxford East), Conservatives (John Cotton, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council), the Liberal Democrats (Liz Leffman, District Councillor) and the Green Party (Craig Simmons, City Councillor). 

The impending vote in Parliament on the EU (notification of withdrawal) Bill provided an opportune time to probe the panelists as to their and their parties' approach in light of the fact that Oxford overwhelmingly voted Remain on 23rd June 2016 (70.3%, with 72.3% turnout).

John Cotton would unequivocally vote for the Bill, without any amendments. This is also the declared position of the MP for Oxford West and Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood).

In contrast, Liz Leffman and Craig Simmons would vote against the Bill unless it is significantly amended to ensure that the UK remains in the Single Market and Customs Union; unilaterally guarantee rights of non-UK EU citizens currently residing in the UK before negotiations start; and, crucially, ensure a referendum on the agreement(s) with the possibility of opting to Remain in the EU available to the electorate. 

It was the Labour MP's position which was most puzzling, and deeply unpopular in the packed hall. Andrew Smith contended that, the referendum does not give the government a mandate to leave the single market, and that leaving it would significantly harm Oxford's interests in maintaining its leading research institutions (highly dependent on EU funding), an attractive business environment, and employment prospects. 

Nonetheless, he pledged to vote for Article 50 notification even if amendments intended to secure the UK's place in the single market (which he supports), and a 'meaningful vote' at the end of the process, are rejected. 

The consequence, which he acknowledged, is that the choice before Parliament at the end of negotiations is likely to be between May's agreement and no agreement. 

Namely, that there will be no option of Parliament's rejection of the deal meaning that the UK remains in the EU, or of a referendum on the deal with the Remain option available. 

On February 1, both Oxford MPs voted for the Bill in Second Reading; amendments will be considered this week by Committee of the Whole House of Commons, with a vote in Third Reading expected on tomorrow (Wednesday). It is disappointing and dismaying that both Oxford's MPs are not willing to protect Oxford's interests.

Dr RUVI ZIEGLER
New Europeans (Oxford branch)
Gloucester Green, Oxford