Jeremy Corbyn ‘ready to finally back second Brexit referendum’ if Theresa May's deal fails Commons vote
Jeremy Corbyn is on the brink of backing a second referendum on Brexit, it has been reported.
Politcal journalist Robert Peston claimed the Labour leader is finally ready to support another public vote on Brexit.
Prime minister Theresa May’s draft Brexit plan, which was backed by the leaders of the other 27 EU countries at the weekend, will go before parliament on December 11.
It faces a mammoth struggle to get approval, given many MPs on both sides of the chamber have signalled their intent to vote against it.
On his Facebook page, Mr Peston wrote on Tuesday: “According to senior Labour sources, Corbyn is close to agreeing that shortly (days) after the loss of the meaningful vote by May, he would formally make his party the champion of another referendum or People’s Vote – on the basis that if there is no consensus in parliament on what comes next, the question has to go back to the people.”
Last week, Mr Corbyn publicly declined to support calls for a second people’s vote on Brexit.
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Mrs May and Mr Corbyn have agreed to take part in a live TV debate on Brexit, expected to take place a few days before the vote in the Commons.
“I am going to be explaining why I think this deal is the right deal for the UK – and yes, I am ready to debate it with Jeremy Corbyn,” the prime minister told The Sun.
“Because I have got a plan. He hasn’t got a plan.”
Mrs May refused to take part in TV debates with Mr Corbyn in the run-up to the general election last year.
She rejected calls for the Brexit debate between her and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to include representatives from other political parties.
“Of course I am going to be debating in the House of Commons with all parties on the issue of the Brexit deal,” she said.
“Jeremy Corbyn and I are leaders of parties that cover getting on for 90% of all MPs in the House of Commons.
“This is a really important moment for our country. I have a clear deal that I believe is in the interests of the UK and I think it is right for people to hear what Jeremy Corbyn’s views are as those have been a little uncertain recently about exactly where he stands.”
Earlier this week, Mr Corbyn claimed the prime minister’s “botched” deal leaves Britain with the “worst of all worlds”.
