Labour has been accused of "spinelessly" supporting Theresa May (Image: GETTY) SNP’s Westminister leader, Ian Blackford, accused the party of being “a fraud” after choosing not to back a second referendum. He told The Daily Telegraph: “An opportunity to drive forward the need for such a vote and Labour has flunked it. They are midwives to Theresa May’s Brexit. Absolutely spineless.” Related articles Labour MPs RESIGN to vote against second Brexit referendum The new Geoffrey Cox legal advice he hopes will SAVE May's deal The criticism comes after Sir Keir Starmer, Shadow Brexit secretary, revealed Labour would not support the motion. He defended the decision for a second referendum after citing the main issue to focus on extending Article 50. He said: "Those pressing this amendment seem to be out of step with the vast majority of co-campaigners, campaigning for exactly the same push. “They may genuinely have a difference of opinion but we will not be supporting the amendment." READ MORE: Remainers WARNED Britons won't be 'polite' if Brexit THWARTED Mr Corbyn said they need to now focus on extending Article 50 (Image: GETTY) Independent MP Anna Soubry attacked the decision. She said: “This is a betrayal of Labour Party members and voters, Labour MPs, Labour's conference policy and, most importantly, the British public.” The news follows the resignation of Labour frontbenchers who voted against a second EU referendum on Thursday. Party leader Jeremy Corbyn told MPs to abstain from the vote saying it is time to focus on compromise and extending Article 50. Related articles ‘ABSOLUTE CHAOS’ - Vince Cable savages May's Brexit negotiations Tom Watson launches new group to save Labour from Jeremy Corbyn Theresa May has previously suffered two defeats from her Brexit deal (Image: GETTY) But three frontbench MPs voted against the motion including Ruth Smeeth, the former private secretary to deputy Tom Watson. She told The Daily Telegraph: “This was a difficult decision but I have a duty to support the will of my constituents. We need to leave, and leave with a deal that works for the Potteries.” Frontbenchers Yvonne Fovargue, Emma Lewell-Buck and Justin Madders resigned after the vote as well as whip, Stephanie Peacock. Mr Corbyn said: “I would like to thank Yvonne, Emma, Ruth, Justin and Stephanie for their service while on the Labour frontbench. Related articles ‘TWEAKS WON’T CUT IT!’ DUP warning to May over Brexit deal Article 50 vote: How long will Brexit be suspended for? "I understand the difficulties MPs have felt representing the views of their constituents during this process. "All of us across the House now have the opportunity to work together to find a solution to the crisis the government has plunged us into. Labour's alternative plan can unite people, however they voted in 2016. "I look forward to continuing to work with them to secure a Labour government, end austerity and give real hope to the whole country." Up to 200 Labour MPs abstained from the referendum vote while 25 voted to support it.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility