Jeremy Corbyn defeats Remainer Labour MPs’ push to force new Brexit referendum
JEREMY Corbyn sparked uproar among Remainer MPs and union chiefs last night after defeating their bid force a second referendum.
Deputy leader Tom Watson was left humiliated after his demand to put another vote at the centre of Labour’s EU election campaign ended in failure.
After a tense showdown, party bosses only committed to having another vote as an “option” if Labour cannot get a different deal or force an election.
Labour MP Bridget Phillipson blasted her party for only doing the “bare minimum”.
She stormed: “But the manifesto’s mealy-mouthed wording still maintains the fiction that there is a deal out there that can satisfy all the promises made three years ago, avoid real costs to jobs and living standards, or end the endless crisis around Brexit.
“This means Labour risks demoralising activists, depressing turnout among supporters and decreasing the share of the vote for candidates who.”
SECOND VOTE BID DEFEATED
Labour MP Jess Phillips predicted the party will get a “drubbing” in the Euro elections unless Labour has a “clear message” on a second referendum.
She told ITV: “It’s going to be really, really difficult and nobody would have picked to have them in these circumstances – unless we have a clear message for people.”
Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the TSSA trade union, blasted: “Sadly, it doesn’t appear that there is anything straight talking about Labour’s latest Brexit fudge.
“Our union is obviously disappointed that our amendment to give the British people the final say over any Brexit deal did not find favour. “
Arch-Remainer Mr Watson had teamed up with four union bosses to try to force Labour to throw its backing behind a vote on whatever Brexit deal is done.
Turning up to yesterday’s crunch meeting, he said Labour must finally “show leadership” after urging activists to bombard the NEC with demands for another vote.
If you’re a Labour supporter and dismayed by Labour’s latest fudge on Brexit, send Corbyn a message by lending Change UK your vote
Mike Gapes
But the bid was defeated after being put to a vote of the NEC.
Mr Corbyn was backed by the leftie Momentum representatives in voting it down.
New Remainer party Change UK seized on the fury to urge Labour activists to back them instead.
Mike Gapes said: “If you’re a Labour supporter and dismayed by Labour’s latest fudge on Brexit, send Corbyn a message by lending Change UK your vote.”
A Labour Source, said: “The NEC agreed the manifesto which will be fully in line with Labour’s existing policy; to support Labour’s alternative plan, and if we can’t get the necessary changes to the government’s deal, or a General Election, to back the option of a public vote.”
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But Labour MPs who want to see Brexit delivered hailed the decision.
Gareth Snell said it is the “right decision”.
He told The Sun: “Despite the spin from colleagues who have little regards to the hardworking councillors seeking re-election on Thursday, it’s a clear restatement of policy which says that a second referendum remains on the table along with all other options but Labour’s priority is to strike a deal that protects jobs, rights and the economy.”
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