Blair ‘would back Corbyn in general election to stop no-deal’
TONY BLAIR said he would vote for Jeremy Corbyn in a general election to prevent a no-deal Brexit, but that he would face a “dilemma” in doing so.
The former Labour prime minister delivered a speech on Brexit at the Institute for Government in London yesterday and said Labour should not “fall into the elephant trap” of backing a Westminster poll if MPs cannot agree on Brexit.
He called for the party to throw its weight behind supporting legislation to prevent a no-deal Brexit, not a vote of no confidence in the Government.
Asked if he would vote for Labour at the next general election, he said: “That’s a really difficult question. Because of the struggle I have with other aspects of Labour policy. There are some huge problems with the Labour Party.
“I personally believe so strongly on Brexit that I would do virtually anything to stop it.”
Pushed if that “included voting for Jeremy Corbyn”, he said: “Yeah, including that.”
He added: “The dilemma I have expressed to you very honestly is the dilemma of a lot of people are faced with. They care passionately about Brexit, they’re going to be asked at the election what’s the best way of stopping that.
“But on the other hand, it’s no great secret that many people like myself have got real anxiety about parts of the programme.”
Mr Blair praised Mr Corbyn for his stance on working with other political parties.
He said: “In backing away from the idea of himself as a ‘caretaker prime minister’, Jeremy Corbyn has behaved responsibly, and if he continues to put country first, he will benefit the country and himself. He can now play a decisive role in how Brexit develops. But he should see an election for the elephant trap it is.
“If the Government tries to force an election, Labour should vote against it.”