Labour MPs have told
Jeremy Corbyn to secure a new
Brexit referendum before the next general
election is held, HuffPost
UK can reveal.
The weekly meeting of the Parliamentary
Labour Party (PLP) saw backbenchers urge the Labour leader to either back a ‘confirmatory’ referendum on any
Boris Johnson deal - or to instigate one during a temporary caretaker government.
At the gathering in the House of Commons, MPs from both Leave and Remain seats united to praise Corbyn for his handling of Brexit in recent weeks and for the way the party had outflanked the government over the prorogation of parliament.
But MPs from different wings of the party and different regions of the country also agreed that a new referendum was a greater priority than a snap election.
Many backed the idea of a ‘confirmatory’ referendum that would make any acceptance of a new Brexit deal conditional on a public vote being held.
They also said that if Johnson refused to delay Brexit beyond October 31, he should be toppled by a vote of no confidence.
A Corbyn-led caretaker government could then sit for several months while it enacted and delivered a referendum with the support of smaller parties and rebel Tories, several MPs suggested. An election would only then follow, probably next spring.
Another option would be for a ‘government of national unity’ to sit while the referendum legislation is passed.
Corbyn listened to the advice of the PLP but did not say he agreed with it. His position has been that he thinks an extension of Article 50 is a priority to stop a no-deal exit, followed quickly by a general election.
“It was the most united PLP we’ve had in months,” said one present.
Labour MPs said they strongly supported the new policy adopted at the party’s annual conference, which is for a Labour government to guarantee a referendum on a credible Leave option and an option to remain in the EU.
Deputy leader Tom Watson was slapped down by Corbyn earlier this month when he floated the idea of holding off on an election until after a fresh referendum was held.Related... Why Boris Johnson Is Parking His Tanks On Labour's Lawn Esther McVey Says Media Must 'Go Back And Check' Boris Johnson Groping Claims Most Tory Rebels Will Not Back Plans To Force A Brexit Delay Within Days