New: 'whipless' Tory pro-EU politicians inc Grieve and Guto Bebb have written to EU to ask for extension of up to 8 months to allow confirmatory 2nd referendum on Brexit.
"We are determined to work across the political spectrum, with all willing political parties and individuals, to secure such a confirmatory vote. However, an extension to January 31st does not allow sufficient time for this to be organised under the UK rules...
"We, therefore, urgently request the EU + Govts throughout Europe to allow UK citizens, who still remain EU citizens, the right to confirm their views on our future relationship with the EU. In order to do this, we wd need six to eight months to secure + hold a confirmatory vote"
The list of signatories includes not just 'independent' Tories like Lord Heseltine (and Grieve and Bebb), but also former Tory ministers Lord Deben, Viscount Hailsham, Lord Willetts and ex-No10 aide Lord Cooper of Windrush
