Caroline Lucas: Lib Dem 'revoke and remain' stance is arrogant

The Green party’s Caroline Lucas has branded the Liberal Democrat revoke Brexit position as arrogant and says it risks inflaming further political tension.

In a video for the Guardian the MP warned against revocation – which in effect cancels Brexit – suggesting it was “very dangerous” for the country.

“I certainly think that the Lib Dem way out is arrogant, self-indulgent, cynical and very dangerous. I think that will put fuel on the fire,” she said.

The Lib Dems’ new policy, announced by the party’s leader, Jo Swinson, is to back a second referendum but in the case of their party winning a majority at a general election they would implement the cancellation of article 50.

Related: Revoke and remain: inside the Lib Dem party conference – podcast

This has led to criticism from party members, such as long-standing Lib Dem MP Norman Lamb, who warned it would widen the gap between leave and remain voters.

The Greens want a public vote on the government’s proposed Brexit deal and want to avoid leaving without a deal.

Not implementing the referendum result altogether though could risk stoking tension even more, she suggested.

She said: “I can see from a polling point of view why the Lib Dems might have adopted their latest policy of ignoring the referendum and just saying: ‘No we’re going to completely pretend it didn’t happen and turn the clock back.’

“But that I think is massively dangerous too, to add that into the mix. That sense that people have that they are simply not heard.”