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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Dan Bloom

Brexit: Labour row erupts as election leaflet fails to mention second referendum

A Labour row has erupted over Brexit after the party produced an election leaflet which fails to mention a second EU referendum.

The flyer for the May 23 EU elections makes no mention of the proposal - despite last year's party conference agreeing it would be an option on the table.

Meanwhile the leaflet says Labour will negotiate "a better deal with Europe" under its own plan for Brexit.

One Remain-backing MP told the Mirror the leaflet had gone down "like a cup of cold sick".

Another, Neil Coyle, said: "It's being posted out after a dodgy sign off and will do untold damage to our Party and does not reflect members' views or agreed policy.

"Another massive let down and shows little learnt since The Independent Group formed."

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The flyer for the May 23 EU elections makes no mention of the proposal - despite last year's party conference agreeing it would be an option on the table (Labour)

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The leaflet - which was obtained by HuffPost UK - hurls the party into a row ahead of two crucial meetings next Tuesday.

Labour's Shadow Cabinet, which was reportedly not consulted over the leaflet, will meet on Tuesday morning to debate the party's manifesto for the EU elections.

The ruling NEC which includes senior MEPs, union chiefs and members' reps will then meet later on Tuesday to thrash out the manifesto.

A crucial question is whether Labour will commit to a "confirmatory" referendum on any deal reached over Brexit.

This would give the UK public a say between any final Brexit deal and remaining in the EU. But it is thought to be opposed by Jeremy Corbyn and several members of the shadow cabinet.

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Meanwhile the leaflet says Labour will negotiate "a better deal with Europe" under its own plan for Brexit (Labour)

Labour MP Gareth Thomas said: "I hope the NEC will next week confirm for our European Election manifesto that any Brexit deal will have to be put back to the people for a confirmatory vote."

A Labour Party spokeswoman said: "It is a short pre-manifesto leaflet to introduce our candidates and set out our commitment to Leave and Remain voters to bring our country together.

"It highlights how the Tories' chaotic handling of Brexit has left our country in crisis and how our MEPs will fight for proper investment in communities, housing, jobs and industries.

"Our full manifesto, which will address the issues of a Brexit deal and the circumstances of a referendum, will be published after the local elections."

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