Former PM Major says second referendum on Brexit is "perfectly credible"

Sir John Major has defended those who have called for a second referendum on Brexit, saying that the case for another vote is "perfectly credible".

The former prime minister of the UK said at a private dinner that the "tyranny of the majority" could not be allowed to dictate against the 48% who voted to Remain, the Times reported.

With negotiations between Theresa May's government and the EU big-hitters producing little in the way of progress from both parties' fundamental demands, the British public are growing impatient that the Conservatives may not be able to deliver an adequate deal for the country.

"I hear the argument that the 48 per cent of people who voted to stay should have no say in what happens," Major said. "I find that very difficult to accept. The tyranny of the majority has never applied in a democracy and it should not apply in this particular democracy."

Major did concede during his speech at a dinner to mark 100 years since the premiership of Lloyd George that Britain would inevitably leave the bloc, but added that it was crucial to maintain access to the free market.

He also said that parliament should have the final say on an agreement of such importance.

"I don’t see how you can reach a treaty agreement without having the treaty ratified by parliament. I do not see how that is avoidable, nor do I believe that it should be avoided," Major said.

His comments come a day after those of another former PM, Tony Blair, who said that Brexit could be stopped "if the British people decide" to stop it.