- Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has stated that he would consider a second Brexit referendum
- Corbyn supports Brexit on Principle but is particular about workers’ rights
Brexit has been perhaps one of the most complicated and long-drawn-out issues in modern British politics. It has led to the resignation of two British Prime Ministers thus far and has divided the British public bitterly. While work is ongoing to fill the position of Prime Minister in Britain, there is talk floating about of a second referendum regarding Brexit even as the October 31, 2019 deadline draws near.
Now on June 19, 2019, Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, has stated that he is in favor of the second Brexit referendum that has been spoken about.
Back to the Drawing Board
According to Corbyn, it is right to demand a second referendum regarding any deal about Brexit. This was said during an address of his top policy team and Corbyn reiterated that such a public vote should offer real choices for both relief and remain voters.
“I have already made the case … that it is now right to demand that any deal is put to a public vote. That is in line with our conference policy which agreed a public vote would be an option,” he said.
“A ballot paper would need to contain real choices for both leaves and remain voters. This will, of course, depend on parliament.”
It should be remembered that in June 2016, 51.9 percent of the British public opted to leave the EU versus the 48.1% that wanted to remain. In the aftermath of this, Corbyn has been criticized for allegedly not working hard enough to rally support behind the remain movement. Ironically enough, Corbyn has been very critical of the EU and did not support the UK joining it in 1979 and also opposed the treaty on European Union in the early 1990s.
In wake of all the drama that has surrounded Brexit, Corbyn has been under pressure to change his mind and restart the remain campaign. However, a recent letter sent to him by 25 MPs has insisted that Brexit must happen.
However, Corbyn has said that he will need to consult trade union groups before a formal presentation of his views can be made to the public. His Deputy, Tom Watson has argued that the party’s ambiguity over the issue reflected in their poor performance in the European election.
Corbyn has been seen to be on the fence regarding Brexit as while he supports the UK leaving the EU in principle, he has been adamant that any exit deal agreed on must protect the rights of workers which led to him up opposing several exit agreements brought forward by former Prime Minister Theresa May.
