Brexit latest: Labour split widens as Jeremy Corbyn ally says no need for public vote

People campaigning for a People's Vote during a march through central London
AP
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Labour divisions over Brexit deepened today with a frontbench member claiming there would be no need for a second referendum if Theresa May agreed to leave the European Union on terms set out by Jeremy Corbyn.

The comments by shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald clashed with demands for a fresh poll by leading party figures including Emily Thornberry, shadow foreign secretary, who said today that any Brexit must go “hand-in-hand” with the public getting a final say.

Labour MP Neil Coyle warned that the party would haemorrhage support if Mr Corbyn played “midwife to Brexit” with Mrs May without putting the outcome to the general public.

Speaking on the Today programme, Left-winger Mr McDonald said he backed a referendum in the current circumstances where the only offers on the table were “Theresa May’s deal or no deal”.

Shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald
PA

But he suggested there would be no need for one if Mr Corbyn secured a deal in cross-party talks that met Labour’s demands, which include a customs union and close relationship with the single market.

“My view is if our proposition was accepted in its totality I think the argument for a public vote in those circumstances reduces,” he said.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home on Monday morning
REUTERS

“The reality is that is not on the table, so I think we’re looking at options that would warrant a PV [People’s Vote] in those circumstances.”

Mr McDonald’s remarks contrasted with recent comments by deputy leader Tom Watson, shadow chancellor John McDonnell and shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, who have all suggested a confirmatory ballot will be necessary on any deal. However, another left-winger, party chairman Ian Lavery, broke ranks last week by abstaining on a whipped motion for a public vote to ratify any deal.

Ms Thornberry, speaking on a Politico podcast, said a compromise deal “just makes everybody unhappy”. She added: “I think we are in a situation where a confirmatory referendum is appropriate. I personally think any way in which we leave the EU will damage jobs and the economy.”

Shadow cabinet minister Emily Thornberry
Sky News

On whether there should be separate Commons votes on a Brexit deal and a second referendum, she said: “I think the two things need to go hand in hand.”

Speaking this morning, Sir Keir said that a referendum was on the agenda for cross-party talks with the Government. “That’s one of the things we will be discussing,” he told Sky News.

Mr Coyle, MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said he was alarmed that some frontbenchers were willing to consider a Brexit without a confirmatory ballot to ensure that people still wanted to leave the EU.

“The ground appears to be being paved for a climbdown if Jeremy Corbyn dumps Labour values in order to dump Theresa May’s deal on the country,” he said. “Our members are very concerned by the appearance of Labour acting as midwife for Brexit.”

Mr Coyle said the agreed policy clearly called for a referendum.

“Anything short of that will see swathes of members leave the party, it will cost us multiple seats at the next election, and some MPs won’t bother to wait for it.”

Labour MP Bridget Phillipson, a leading supporter of the People’s Vote campaign, called for more debate rather than “brinkmanship” that could lead to a no-deal exit.

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