Corbyn's Labour stays ambiguous on Brexit
September 23, 2019
Grassroots pro-EU members failed Monday to persuade Britain's Labour Party to campaign "energetically" for staying within the European Union, during a series of close-run votes on three motions.
It means the party would not push for "remain" or "leave" should there be a second Brexit referendum or a national election.
Delegates at the party's annual conference in Brighton ended up backing leader Jeremy Corbyn's stance to first try to win an election, then renegotiate a Brexit deal once in power. After that, they would hold a second referendum on the deal or remaining in the EU before holding a special conference to decide Labour's position.
Leadership and base split
Analysts say Corbyn has stayed cautious to avoid alienating Labour voters who in certain electorates during the 2016 Brexit referendum voted to leave the EU.
In recent speeches, he has instead dwelt on Britain's growing economic inequality, workers' rights and other social issues, including a shorter working week.
However, grassroots lobbyist Mike Buckley said the vast majority of party members wanted to remain in the EU under all circumstances.
"If we add a commitment to Remain, we will at last be providing the leadership the country needs," Buckley said.
A country divided
Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants an October 31 exit with or without a divorce deal despite warnings from EU leaders this may lead to reintroduced controls along the inner-Irish border.
Read more: UK Supreme Court to rule on Parliament's suspension
Two surveys published last weekend put Labour 15% behind Johnson's Conservatives and close to being overtaken by the pro-EU Liberal Democrats.
The resurgent Liberal Democrats say they will revoke Article 50, which triggered withdrawal, and end the Brexit process altogether.
Brexit is also opposed by the Scottish National Party and smaller groups.
ipj/rt (AFP, AP, Reuters)