Over 12 backers of a second Brexit referendum to stand for Labour at European elections
MORE than a dozen backers of a second referendum will stand for Labour at the European elections.
The candidates include prominent Remain supporter Lord Adonis and a key backer of Jeremy Corbyn.
Campaigners are hopeful that the move shows the Labour leader is moving closer towards backing another vote on Britain’s EU membership, and could include it in the party’s manifesto for the European Parliament election.
But Nigel Farage’s new Brexit Party also thinks the decision will win them more votes at next month’s poll – among disaffected Labour members who backed Leave.
Richard Corbett MEP, Labour leader in the European Parliament, said: “Labour Party members, the vast majority of whom back a public vote on any Brexit deal, will be pleased to see that so many of our candidates share that view.
“A vote for Labour in the European Parliament elections will be a vote to deliver MEPs who are overwhelmingly supportive of giving the public the final say on Brexit.
“Labour’s manifesto for the elections will no doubt reflect this position, not only because it is what our members, our voters and the public want, but also because a clear position on Brexit gives us the best chance of defeating the Conservatives and Nigel Farage’s party.”
Analysis by the People’s Vote campaign shows that 16 out of the 20 leading Labour candidates back a second referendum.
Former minister Lord Adonis has said he will suspend his membership of the House of Lords for the election.
Soon after it was announced that he would be standing for Labour, the Brexit Party seized on an interview of him dismissing Leave voters and started spreading it on social media.
The clip shows Lord Adonis telling LBC radio earlier this year: “If you’re a Brexiter I hope you won’t vote for the Labour Party.
most read in brexit
“I wouldn’t vote Labour if you want to stop Brexit.”
A spokesman for the Brexit Party said: “It is telling that Labour have selected a slate of people for these election who are absolutely committed to keeping this country in the EU by fair means or foul.”
Among other Labour MEP candidates is Laura Parker, national organiser for pro-Corbyn movement Momentum, who has previously said she would want to be asked again about Brexit “if we were staring down the barrel of a no-deal gun”.
- GOT a news story? RING us on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk
Comments
Post a Comment