Union heavyweight backs Corbyn as party is divided over Brexit strategy

LABOUR’S divisions over Brexit have deepened as Jeremy Corbyn pushed for the party to delay a decision on whether to support staying in the European Union until after a general election.

A statement backed by Mr Corbyn setting out his position was emailed around the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and endorsed without a formal meeting, despite opposition from some members of the body.

Unite union boss Len McCluskey, a key ally of the Labour leader, called on the party’s senior figures to fall in behind the policy or “step aside”.

Labour’s plan would see a government led by Mr Corbyn negotiate a new deal with Brussels before calling a referendum.

The party would remain neutral about whether to back remain or the Labour-negotiated deal until a decision was taken at a special conference.

Mr McCluskey told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday: “We must go in to an election united and when we have a policy on Brexit and Jeremy Corbyn makes it clear that that is the policy, then that is what leading members of the shadow cabinet should argue for.

“If they find that they can’t argue for it because they feel strongly, well, of course they have that right but they should step aside.”

On BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, Mr Corbyn suggested that it could be possible for the UK to be better off out of the EU.

It “depends on the agreement you have with the European Union outside”, he said. “We would want to hold a consultation, a