Labour sticks to second Brexit referendum stance
london — Britain’s opposition Labour Party resisted calls to unconditionally embrace a second referendum on Tuesday, restating its support for such a vote only if the government refuses to change its EU deal or there is no new election.
With UK’s delayed departure from the European Union far from clear, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been under pressure from lawmakers and party members to throw his support behind a second referendum, or confirmatory vote, on any Brexit deal.
But the veteran Socialist has stuck firmly to his position that a second vote was an option to prevent what Labour calls a ‘damaging’ Conservative Brexit or to stop Britain leaving without a deal.
The move could further infuriate Labour lawmakers, including deputy leader Tom Watson, who have pushed for an unconditional commitment on a second referendum.
The rift has spurred eight Labour politicians to form a new party called Change UK.
After a meeting of Labour’s National Executive Committee, its governing body, a party source said an agreement had been reached which “will be fully in line with Labour’s existing policy”.
That policy is “to support Labour’s alternative plan, and if we can’t get the necessary changes to the government’s deal, or a general election, to back the option of a public vote.”
Nearly three years after Britons voted to leave the EU by 52 to 48 per cent, the main parties, and the country, are deeply divided over Brexit, leaving it unclear when, and even if, UK will leave the bloc. —