Brexit: Labour frontbencher supports campaign for second referendum 'in personal capacity'

Stephen Pound backs Open Britain's campaign for 'people's vote'

Stephen Pound, the shadow Northern Ireland minister

Labour faced fresh Brexit turmoil as another member of Jeremy Corbyn‘s top team came out in favour of a new referendum.

Shadow Northern Ireland minister Stephen Pound has backed the People’s Vote campaign, supported by the group Open Britain, which wants a national poll on the terms of a withdrawal deal.

Mr Pound’s former boss, Owen Smith, was sacked as shadow Northern Ireland secretary in March by Mr Corbyn after he called for a new referendum.

Mr Corbyn has repeatedly insisted Labour is not seeking a fresh poll, but has avoided completely ruling out such a move.

Mr Pound told a group affiliated to Open Britain that there had to be an evaluation of Brexit.

He said: “This decision is not something we can just forget about a week later.

“This is a decision that is going to affect my grandchildren, their children, and every single generation in this country.

“It is so, so serious that we have to have a cold evaluation."

He added: “This should be about the future of the European ideal. For us, and for all future generations.

“Support a people’s vote.”

Mr Pound told the Press Association: “I was speaking in a personal capacity, and not on behalf of the party.”

PA