Jeremy Corbyn has rejected growing calls for a Final Say referendum, despite a backlash from his own MPs for saying Brexit cannot be stopped.
The Labour leader faced strong criticism – including from a shadow minister – after an interview in which he insisted the process of EU withdrawal could not be halted.
Matthew Pennycook, a Brexit spokesman, took to Twitter to point out that Labour’s agreed policy is to leave the door open to “another referendum in which Remain cannot be ruled out as an option”.
Pro-EU backbenchers accused Mr Corbyn of a “dereliction of duty” and warned he would never be forgiven for ignoring the overwhelming wishes of Labour members.
But the party leader was defiant when asked if he could agree with the call by former Tory minister Jo Johnson for a fresh referendum, replying: “Not really, no.
“The referendum took place. The issue now has to be how we bring people together, bring people together around the principles of our economy, our rights and that we don’t turn this country into some kind of offshore tax haven on the lines that Donald Trump might want us to.”
Speaking after an event in Middlesbrough, Mr Corbyn said any Brexit deal brought to the Commons by the government would be measured against Labour’s six strict tests.
“Our six points will be put to them and we will vote accordingly. If it means we vote against the government, we vote against the government.
“If it’s defeated, it means they’ve got a choice – either go back and negotiate something better or resign.”
The tests covered “the benefits to every part of the UK”, including “the Northern Ireland border” and “the kind of regulatory framework in which we’ll live”.
Mr Corbyn faced questions after telling the German newspaper Der Spiegel: “We can’t stop it. The referendum took place. Article 50 has been triggered. What we can do is recognise the reasons why people voted Leave.”
He also expressed sympathy for the prime minister over the “impossible task” of reaching an agreement with Brussels and uniting the Tory party, adding: “I am a decent human being, I feel sorry for anyone in distress.”
But Mr Pennycook sought to reassure Labour supporters – who, polls show, overwhelmingly back another referendum – by saying the policy decided at September’s Liverpool conference was “clear”.
He tweeted: “If parliament rejects May’s deal and we are unable to secure a general election, all options must be on the table and that includes campaigning for another referendum in which Remain cannot be ruled out as an option.”
Underlining the backlash, Wes Streeting, a Labour backbencher, called on the party to make the “full-throated case” for a people’s vote.
“Labour cannot sit by and allow the choice to be between the economic ruin of a hard Brexit or the loss of sovereignty under Theresa May’s deal, with Britain subjected to EU rules but with no say over them,” he said.
Chris Leslie, another pro-EU MP, said: “With even Tory ministers recognising Brexit threatens the poorest in society, our public services and Britain’s place in the world, to have a Labour leader just shrug about it, then go awol, is nothing short of a dereliction of duty,” he said.
And a third, Chuka Umunna, said: “We can stop this Tory Brexit but, ultimately, it should be for the people to decide.
“A large majority of Labour members, supporters and voters not only want a people’s vote but to change our country in the EU. If the party sets its face against this, it will never be forgiven.”
The Independent has launched its #FinalSay campaign to demand that voters are given a voice on the final Brexit deal.
Sign our petition here
