Labour’s new muddle over referendum

JEREMY Corbyn triggered a Labour civil war yesterday when the party published a European election leaflet with no mention of a second Brexit referendum.

The document promised Labour would press ahead with Brexit, but said nothing about its policy of a holding a confirmatory referendum on whatever deal is agreed with the EU.

Instead, it stated only that the party would seek a ‘better deal with Europe’ which ensures the UK has ‘a say on trade deals’, according to HuffPost. It sparked a backlash from pro-EU Labour MPs – including those in the shadow cabinet – MEPs and voters who oppose Brexit.

Labour MP Hilary Benn tweeted: ‘Labour has twice supported a confirmatory referendum in votes in the House of Commons. It’s our policy. Why isn’t it mentioned in this leaflet?’

Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee will decide on Tuesday its manifesto pledges for the May 23 European elections. A Labour spokesman said the leaflets ‘reflect existing party policy’, adding: ‘Our manifesto for the European elections will be decided in due course.’