Jeremy Corbyn’s latest Brexit fudge has probably lost Labour the next election

Editorial: Labour’s constructive ambiguity, which worked well in the conditions of the 2017 general election, now works against it – and will go down as badly in Barnsley and Ashfield as in Cambridge or Putney

Labour delegates reject plan to commit to Remain at conference yesterday (Getty)

Logic and politics do not always mix so well, as the Labour leadership is discovering.

In fairness to Jeremy Corbyn and his closest allies, the contorted and non-committal proposal he has made on Labour’s stance on Brexit is perfectly logical. If a general election does proceed this autumn before a Final Say referendum is held, then there is much to be said for putting a deal to the British people, with the option to remain on the ballot paper.

The trouble, obviously, is that no such deal exists; it is unlikely to by the end of the year under the present government; and no deal has been ruled out by parliament. If a Labour government were to be elected, it would, perfectly legitimately, seek to negotiate another deal with the EU. That could then be put before the people.