Labour to back a second Brexit referendum but only if there is a ‘credible’ exit plan
LABOUR will back a second public Brexit vote – but only on a “credible” exit plan, John McDonnell said yesterday.
The shadow Chancellor has revealed “quite a number” of MPs would back a compromise deal if the public have a final say.
The party is working with Labour backbenchers Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson on their proposals that will come before MPs this week.
Mr McDonnell said: “We’ve said we would support that if it comes back, and it may well be this week but it will be down to the tactics they want to pursue, because they will only push that when they think they’ve got a realistic prospect of winning.”
But he hinted there would have to be changes to Theresa May’s deal for the party to back another public vote.
He said: “There’s no point putting Theresa May’s deal or something like that in my view because it’s not credible, it’s dangerous.
“It has to be a credible deal that we think would protect jobs and the economy, and I think that’s what a majority of MPs would vote for, I don’t think a majority would vote for something that would damage their constituents’ livelihoods.”
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The move to back any public likely to cause a huge row in the party after five frontbenchers were forced to resign after voting AGAINST another Brexit poll.
Labour whip Stephanie Peacock and Ruth Smeeth quit as an aide to Tom Watson over the second referendum vote in the Commons on Thursday.
Kyle last night said: “Tory MPs are open to the idea of this confirmatory vote. We will need the support of Tory MPs to get it over the line. They have to be brave.”
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