Public know a second vote remains an option
JOHN McDonnell yesterday slapped down claims a second EU referendum would be a “betrayal”.
The Shadow Chancellor dismissed comments by Unite leader Len McCluskey that the party could alienate supporters by backing a fresh vote.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also appeared hesitant to give full backing to a People’s Vote given the large level of Leave support in Labour’s English heartlands.
But McDonnell insisted that if Labour cannot secure a General Election and a new deal, the public would understand the potential need for a second vote. He said: “My speech yesterday was a sincere attempt to try to bring all parties together to try to agree a Brexit which will protect jobs and the economy.
“If we can’t get that, we need a General Election because we can then change the team that will do the negotiations.
“If we can’t do that, well, I think people will recognise we have no other option but to consider another public vote and people will respect us for doing our best to implement the spirit of the referendum.”