Labour could campaign against its own Brexit deal in a second referendum
Labour could campaign against its own Brexit deal in a future EU referendum if it bows to demands by trade unions.
Affiliated workers’ groups have thrashed out a vision on what they believe Jeremy Corbyn should do if he wins power before the UK leaves the EU.
Labour has so far only committed to campaigning for a second referendum on a Tory Brexit deal, kicking into the long grass the question of how the party would act should it win power before the UK’s departure from the EU.
However, some of Corbyn’s strongest allies – including Unite general secretary Len McCluskey – now want Labour to back another public vote if it wins a pre-Brexit general election.
According to a report from the meeting, union bosses believe “any final Labour deal should then be put back to the people.”
The ballot paper should be the options of accepting Labour’s deal or remaining in the EU.
“The Labour Party’s campaign position on such a ballot should depend on the deal negotiated,” according to the report, meaning the party could urge voters not to support the agreement it had secured with the EU.
Labour’s shadow cabinet will meet on Tuesday, to discuss the party’s Brexit policy.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell vowed at the weekend to campaign for Remain in a future referendum.