Jeremy Corbyn 'Will Not' Stay Neutral In Brexit Referendum - But Refuses To Pick A Side

Labour leader says public will make "final decision".
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn gives a speech at the TUC Congress in Brighton.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn gives a speech at the TUC Congress in Brighton.
PA Wire/PA Images

Jeremy Corbyn has indicated he would not “stay neutral” in any second Brexit referendum, following suggestions he could sit out the campaign.

But the Labour leader refused to say whether he would support remaining in the EU or leaving with a Brexit deal he negotiated as prime minister.

In an interview with Sky News, Corbyn would only say he would let the public have the “final decision”.

The Guardian reported this morning Corbyn could decide not to pick a side in the campaign.

But asked if this was the case, Corbyn said: “I can never stay neutral when jobs and living standards are at stake and I will not.

“But I will make sure that people of this country will have that choice and make that final decision.

“A government that promises to carry out the wishes of the people is surely something that is needed in this country.”

Senior Labour figures including John McDonnell, Tom Watson and Emily Thornberry have been vocal in saying they would back Remain, regardless of any deal secured by Labour.

The Liberal Democrats have hardened their pro-Remain position, with leader Jo Swinson now vowing to revoke Article 50 immediately if her party won a general election.

Boris Johnson has taken the hardline approach of vowing to force Brexit through by the October 31 deadline, regardless of whether a deal is in place or not.

Corbyn is expected to come under pressure at Labour’s conference in Brighton next week to take a stronger anti-Brexit stance.

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