Tom Watson: There IS a plot to stop Brexit

Labour's deputy leader said his party would respect the will of the British people over the EU referendum result, but admitted that some politicians who campaigned against Brexit were intent on stopping it from happening.

In a speech to the Labour First group of party moderates, Mr Watson will focus his fury on Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, who he is set to accuse of 'openly and shamelessly' going against the Brexit vote in a bid to become politically relevant.

West Bromwich East MP Mr Watson was expected to say: "I know there is anxiety in some quarters about the way a number of MPs have reacted to the vote to Leave.

"I know some people feel that politicians who campaigned against Brexit are still trying to stop it happening, ignoring the clear decision the British people made back in June.

"I have to say those fears aren't completely unfounded."

Mr Watson, who campaigned for Remain during the EU referendum, said the Labour Party was 'not in denial' about Brexit, "We will not attempt to obstruct the triggering of Article 50," he was expected to add.

"We will press hard the government hard on the terms on which we leave the EU in order to achieve a settlement that benefits us all."

In his speech Mr Watson is expected to criticise Mr Farron, who has said the Lib Dems will vote against triggering Article 50 unless a second referendum is guaranteed.

"The Lib Dems are desperately, openly, shamelessly trying to recover some sort of electoral relevance by coming out as Brexit Deniers," Mr Watson will say.

"They talk about using a vote in Parliament to stop the Government triggering article 50. They say they will do their best to block it, come what may.

"I can see why it's attractive to Tim Farron, as the leader of a party on 8 per cent, to want to be the party of the 48 percent. That can never be an option for a party like Labour, that wants to represent everyone.

"Unlike the Lib Dem Brexit Deniers, we believe in respecting the decision of the British people. To do any less is to fail to respect the British people themselves."

Mr Watson has pledged that Labour will 'hold the Government's feet to the fire' on Britain leaving the EU. "But effective scrutiny isn't the same as blocking Brexit," he will say in today's speech.

He is expected to say: "In 2011, after the referendum on voting reform, Tim Farron said he accepted the result because he didn't want to come across a sore loser.

"So what's so different this time?

"I think the answer is obvious. It's because it is politically expedient for him to do so. Tim Farron wants to ignore the verdict of the British people - but that's only because the British people are ignoring him."