Jeremy Corbyn, if we’re about to face a general election, our party manifesto has to include a Final Say on Brexit

This is no longer a time for hedging our bets. Labour has to be a party of clear principle and strain every sinew to precipitate a second referendum

If Jeremy Corbyn succeeds in forcing an election, Labour’s manifesto must surely commit to an immediate People’s Vote (PA)

For those of us worried about the devastating impact the PM’s Brexit proposal will have on jobs and our public services, it is essential we see the Labour Party step up from passive opposition to leadership on the biggest issue affecting our country’s future in a generation.

Too often during the negotiations it has seemed that Labour’s position has been one of deliberate ambiguity. This may have been understandable as the party – and us as MPs – tried to reconcile the referendum result with the harsh reality of any Brexit.

But it has now become clear that the government’s proposals will present real harm for our country.

I have long felt that the terms of Brexit would have to be put back to the people in a final vote on the deal. With Parliament now obviously unable to reach consensus, it is the only way to be sure the British people want us to proceed in that direction, based on the reality of these divorce terms rather than the far-fetched promises made during the referendum.

It is clear the proposed agreement will not meet the six tests which Labour have set and therefore Labour will vote against it. Even in these first hours after the draft has been made public, it appears the prime minister cannot get it through her own party – and that it is unlikely to pass through parliament.

In this scenario, Labour must lead the way clearly and decisively. This will be a time of political uncertainty for us all and the clock will continue to tick towards exit day.

If Brexit in this form is rejected by parliament, Labour’s leadership say they will seek a general election through a “no confidence” motion. I am certain that Jeremy Corbyn would not waste parliamentary time if he thought this was a hiding to nothing, and therefore we must take seriously the possibility of that election.

At a time when the prime minister has failed to deliver Brexit proposals that can attract parliamentary support, when she has shown a lack of leadership and foresight in building a consensus, it is vital that Labour is, by contrast, clear and steadfast as to the path ahead.

That’s why if Jeremy Corbyn succeeds in forcing an election, Labour’s manifesto must surely commit to an immediate People’s Vote in which Labour will campaign to remain in the EU.

This is no longer a time for hedging our bets. Labour has to be a party of clear principle. So today I am launching a petition calling for an unambiguous commitment in any Labour manifesto that Brexit will be put to a final vote with Remain on the ballot and that the party will then firmly campaign in favour of staying in the European Union. Over 1 million people have signed The Independent’s petition calling for a final say on the Brexit deal, so if our party wants to reflect the public’s feelings, it’s clear this is the next step Labour should take.

If there is no general election, the Labour Party should strain every sinew to precipitate that vote, which should allow the public to choose to remain in the EU in light of what’s happened over the last two years since the referendum.

This issue is too important to prevaricate or hide behind legal caveats. The impasse in parliament means the public must make the decision – and should there be an election, the offer from Labour must be clear-cut. The time is now for Labour to step up and show real leadership.

Angela Smith is Labour MP for Penistone & Stocksbridge