British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn says Labour would back remain in a second Brexit referendum

The Labour leader has been under intense pressure to shift to an overtly anti-Brexit stance, but has insisted on consulting the party’s stakeholders

In a statement emailed to party members on Tuesday, he made clear that if a referendum was called by the incoming Tory PM, Labour would back remain

Reading Time:2 minutes

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party. Photo: AP

Published: 8:41pm, 9 Jul 2019Updated: 8:40pm, 9 Jul 2019

Jeremy Corbyn has sought to draw a line under Labour’s Brexit travails by announcing a “settled” policy of backing remain in any referendum called on a Conservative deal.

The Labour leader has been under intense pressure to shift to an overtly anti-Brexit stance, but has insisted on consulting the party’s stakeholders in recent weeks, including the trade unions.

Anti-Brexit activists fly flags of the European Union and Britain near the Palace of Westminster. Photo: DPA

In a statement emailed to party members on Tuesday he made no reference to what stance Labour would take in the event of a general election in the near future, or whether Labour could enter such a contest saying it would still go ahead with leaving the European Union.

But he made clear that if a referendum was called on the Brexit deal negotiated by the incoming Tory prime minister – or on whether to go ahead with a no-deal Brexit – Labour would support remain.

Corbyn wrote: “Whoever becomes the new prime minister should have the confidence to put their deal, or no deal, back to the people in a public vote.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x