Left-wingers split with Corbyn over Brexit
JEREMY Corbyn was facing a growing Labour rift over Europe last night after Left-wingers launched a grassroots anti-Brexit campaign.
Former frontbencher Catherine West and MEP Julie Ward are among Labour figures expected to join a “Left Against Brexit” speaking tour of major cities this summer.
The organisation is seeking to pressure the hard-Left Labour leader into dropping his support for Britain’s departure from the EU.
It comes after 10 Labour MPs defied official party policy earlier this week by backing a campaign for a second EU referendum.
Manuel Cortes, the general secretary of the transport union TSSA and a close ally of Mr Corbyn, and the Green Party MP Caroline Lucas are also expected to take part in the speaking tour.
The campaign is likely to exacerbate tensions within the party over its stance on Europe, with many moderate MPs at odds with the party’s leadership on the issue.
Ms Ward, Labour MEP for northwest England, claimed: “A Corbynled Labour government could lead the charge to reform the EU from within, giving hope to millions of young people across Europe.
“This Left Against Brexit tour opens the way for the majority view in the Labour party to shift the party back to where it belongs – at the heart of the EU, arguing for a more fair and just world for the many.”
Mr Cortes said: “Frankly, there is no one better placed than Jeremy to call for peace and reconciliation with Europe.
“Pulling out of Brexit, not Europe, is now the bold offer we need to make if we are to win an election and begin to properly rebuild prosperity at home.”
Mr Corbyn has been a Left-wing critic of the European bloc throughout his political career.
He reluctantly campaigned for Britain to stay in the EU during the run-up to 2016 referendum, but has promised to respect the result.
He has said Labour wants a Brexit that prioritises jobs.
Pro-European Labour supporters have been disappointed with Mr Corbyn’s position on Europe since criticising his lacklustre performance ahead of the referendum.