Drakeford would back Brexit vote to safeguard worker rights
WELSH Labour leadership frontrunner Mark Drakeford has said he will back another referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU if workers’ rights are not protected.
In doing so, he is backing the position of the Trades Union Congress, which passed a resolution to that effect at its annual conference this week.
Previously the Finance Secretary has said it was “too early” to back calls for a People’s Vote, but wanted all options to be kept open.
In a video released by his campaign team, Mr Drakeford said: “Ever since the referendum in 2016, the Labour Party in Wales has been clear. Those rights which we have won as citizens as part of our membership of the EU must go on being protected.
“Now the TUC has highlighted the impact of leaving the EU on workers’ rights in our country. I fully support what they have said. If this Conservative Government cannot deliver a Brexit that supports those rights, then the people must have the final say.”
In his cabinet role within the Welsh Government, Mr Drakeford has been involved in discussions with senior Westminster ministers. He has consistently maintained the line that the UK should have “full and unfettered access” to the European Single Market.
Health Secretary Vaughan Gething, the only other candidate to have secured enough nominations to get on the ballot paper, wrote last month: “I am backing the Final Vote on the Brexit deal not because I think it is the most popular option, but because I think it is right that something this important that will affect generations for generations is ultimately a decision for the people as a whole.”
Eluned Morgan, Huw Irranca-Davies and Alun Davies, who also want to stand in the election, also back a vote on the final Brexit terms.