Britain’s opposition Labour Party should campaign against Brexit and push for a referendum to reverse the planned departure before any election, the party’s deputy leader, Tom Watson, is due to say on Wednesday.
Tom Watson will tell members in a speech today that an election focussed on Brexit may not break the stalemate in Parliament whereas a new referendum could do so with certainty.
The West Bromwich MP’s comments could set him at odds with party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who told union members yesterday that an election “is coming”.
Mr Corbyn has twice Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s calls for a snap poll, insisting that a no-deal Brexit must be off the table first.
But should a referendum occur after a general election, Mr Watson will argue that Labour should commit “unambiguously and unequivocally” to campaign for remain.
This, he will say, will win back remain voters who are unsure on Labour’s position, saying “If we did it we could win, whereas if we don’t I fear we won’t.”
Mr Corbyn has said a Labour government would hold a new referendum – with remain and a “credible” option for leave on the ballot paper.
