Party confusion over public vote on Brexit

LABOUR’S plan for a second Brexit referendum is mired in confusion amid claims it would deny voters a chance to stay in the EU.

Any fresh poll would decide only whether to accept a deal with Brussels or quit without a pact, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell insisted.

Pro-EU members and campaigners want the party to offer an option to Remain in the bloc.

But Mr McDonnell’s revelation cast fresh doubt over the party’s position and contradicted a policy thrashed out by officials.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: “The meeting last night was clear that the question of a public vote should be open.” Asked what the vote would be on, Mr McDonnell said: “If we are going to respect the referendum, it will be about the deal.”

Yet speaking later, he told business leaders: “Keir is right, we are keeping all the options on the table.”

A motion today calls for all options to stay if no general election is called.