Jeremy Corbyn says 'Brexit issue is settled'

'The question now is what sort of country do we want after Brexit?' says Labour leader

Jeremy Corbyn has suggested he will remain as Labour leader even if he fails to gain power in the General Election (Reuters)

Jeremy Corbyn has said the issue of Brexit is “settled” as he kicked off Labour’s general election campaign

On his battlebus tour of the UK, Mr Corbyn promised a Labour government would deliver a “jobs-first Brexit”.

The leader has so far attempted to steer the campaign narrative away from the Brexit debate – which has left the Labour party fiercely divided – instead focusing on Tory cuts to public services.

But, addressing the subject, Mr Corbyn said: “This election isn't about Brexit itself. That issue has been settled. The question now is what sort of Brexit do we want — and what sort of country do we want Britain to be after Brexit?

“Labour wants a jobs-first Brexit, a Brexit that safeguards the future of Britain's vital industries, a Brexit that paves the way to a genuinely fairer society and an upgraded economy.”

Mr Corbyn has suggested he will remain as Labour leader even if he fails to gain power in the General Election, telling BuzzFeed News he would be “carrying on” regardless of June's result.

“I was elected leader of this party and I'll stay leader of this party,” he said.

The Islington MP had previously sought to avoid questions about his own future if Labour is defeated.

With the polls suggesting the Conservatives are on course for a decisive victory, Mr Corbyn has been blamed by many Labour MPs for making the party unelectable.

Yet he is thought to be under pressure from some on the left to carry on, regardless of the result, as they are keen not to lose control of the party. Such a move would trigger a renewed power struggle within the Labour ranks.

Theresa May is starting the Conservative campaign by focusing on her party's plans to cap “rip off” gas and electricity prices. The Prime Minister said limiting poor value standard variable tariffs would save 17 million families up to £100 a year.

The Tories were accused of stealing former Labour leader Ed Miliband's proposals for an energy price freeze when the plan was first trailed last month.

Responding to Mr Corbyn's comments, Liberal Democrat Leader Tim Farron said: “Corbyn’s claim that Brexit is 'settled' is further proof of his inability to stand up to the Tories on the most important issue facing our country.

"He made his party vote in Parliament with the Conservatives on Brexit, and now he is joining Theresa May in denying the British people a final say on the deal."

Press Association contributed to this report