Brexit: Labour MEPs ask Jeremy Corbyn to back second EU referendum

The group of seven MEPs say many of their constituents have changed their minds

A group of Labour MEPs has written to Jeremy Corbyn to ask him to back a second EU referendum – warning that giving the public a final say on Brexit is “the only way through the deadlock” in Westminster.

In a letter seen by The Independent, the seven MEPs, Julie Ward, Seb Dance, Jude Kirton-Darling, Catherine Stihler, Mary Honeyball, Wajid Khan and David Martin say they applaud Mr Corbyn’s criticisms of Theresa May’s Brexit deal but that the party needs to go further.

“We now face the challenge of what to do in light of its near certain defeat if we don’t manage to secure a rapid general election,” the MEPs say.

“The cowardly postponement of the vote by the PM means that time is running out and we need to bring forward decisions that will garner the support of the majority of our members and supporters.”

The MEPs, who represent a spread of areas across the North West, North East, London and Scotland, point to polling evidence that suggests that “in recent months, many Leave voting areas have changed their minds” and want to remain in the EU.

“We are living through a profound national crisis that will define our country for decades to come, and largely affects the future of our young people, who we know voted overwhelmingly to Remain in the EU,” the MEPs say.

“Isolationism has never, and will never be, the answer to the many global and international problems we must solve together with our allies. We need to have a seat at the table in order to shape the future, including reform of the European institutions.”

They add: “With the current impasse in Westminster, giving the people a final say on what to do is the only way through the deadlock. This is the democratic way forward, especially in the light of so much information and evidence that has come to light.”

Labour has 20 MEPs in the European parliament, making the call for a second referendum a minority position of around of a third of representatives in its delegation as this stage. Surveys of party members and voters suggest most would welcome another vote – though many prioritise other issues.

Mr Corbyn’s party faces a dilemma on whether to back a second referendum: polling suggests that Labour will lose the support of Remain voters if it is seen to endorse Brexit, while it would lose the support of many of its Leave voters if it tries to frustrate the referendum result.

The party has left the possibility of another referendum on the table but says its priority is to secure a general election.

On Brexit the party says it would negotiate a closer relationship with the EU than Theresa May – inside a customs union and with a tighter relationship with the single market. It has been ambiguous on the question of free movement.

In a speech on Thursday about Brexit Mr Corbyn told the prime minister: “If you are so confident in your deal, call that election, and let the people decide.” He said if a general election could not be secured all options were “on the table, including the option of campaigning for a public vote”.

The full text of the letter can be read here.