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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/may/28/labour-party-pushed-to-ballot-members-on-second-eu-referendum
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| Labour under pressure to ballot members on second EU referendum | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Labour’s ruling body is facing demands to ballot all party members about whether to start campaigning immediately for a second EU referendum, as thousands sign petitions asking for the party’s policy to change in the wake of the European elections. | Labour’s ruling body is facing demands to ballot all party members about whether to start campaigning immediately for a second EU referendum, as thousands sign petitions asking for the party’s policy to change in the wake of the European elections. |
| Campaigners in the Labour party wanting a “people’s vote” wrote to the national executive committee on Tuesday requesting a members’ ballot or special conference. Each of these options has been endorsed by Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson. | Campaigners in the Labour party wanting a “people’s vote” wrote to the national executive committee on Tuesday requesting a members’ ballot or special conference. Each of these options has been endorsed by Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson. |
| The letter said: “Party members are increasingly concerned that Labour’s chances of winning the next general election could be harmed if we fail to commit clearly to a public vote on Brexit, and to campaign for remain in that referendum. | The letter said: “Party members are increasingly concerned that Labour’s chances of winning the next general election could be harmed if we fail to commit clearly to a public vote on Brexit, and to campaign for remain in that referendum. |
| “Polling over the last year has been clear that over 80% of members, and over 70% of Labour voters, want a second referendum and to remain. Party conference, where policy is normally set, is still four months away, only a month before the end of the article 50 extension. It’s essential that we clarify our position as a party much more quickly.” | “Polling over the last year has been clear that over 80% of members, and over 70% of Labour voters, want a second referendum and to remain. Party conference, where policy is normally set, is still four months away, only a month before the end of the article 50 extension. It’s essential that we clarify our position as a party much more quickly.” |
| Mike Buckley, director of the Labour For A People’s Vote campaign, said the group had already received thousands of signatures from Labour members calling for a special conference or members’ ballot, to be held before the end of June. | Mike Buckley, director of the Labour For A People’s Vote campaign, said the group had already received thousands of signatures from Labour members calling for a special conference or members’ ballot, to be held before the end of June. |
| Diane Abbott: second Brexit referendum is democratic thing to do | Diane Abbott: second Brexit referendum is democratic thing to do |
| With several grassroots campaigns already beginning to push for a shift in the party’s Brexit policy, Labour is expected to come under more pressure from constituency parties in the coming days. | With several grassroots campaigns already beginning to push for a shift in the party’s Brexit policy, Labour is expected to come under more pressure from constituency parties in the coming days. |
| Jeremy Corbyn shifted his position to saying he would back a referendum on “any deal” after an exodus of voters to the pro-remain Liberal Democrats and Greens. He said he was “listening to both sides” and would consult members about the best way forward. | Jeremy Corbyn shifted his position to saying he would back a referendum on “any deal” after an exodus of voters to the pro-remain Liberal Democrats and Greens. He said he was “listening to both sides” and would consult members about the best way forward. |
| However, there are calls for the Labour leader to take a more unequivocal position of backing an immediate second referendum, as hardline Brexit supporters take a lead in the Conservative race to be the next prime minister. | However, there are calls for the Labour leader to take a more unequivocal position of backing an immediate second referendum, as hardline Brexit supporters take a lead in the Conservative race to be the next prime minister. |
| Senior shadow cabinet ministers – John McDonnell, Keir Starmer, Diane Abbott and Emily Thornberry – have all moved, in recent days, to a clear backing for a second referendum. | Senior shadow cabinet ministers – John McDonnell, Keir Starmer, Diane Abbott and Emily Thornberry – have all moved, in recent days, to a clear backing for a second referendum. |
| Labour sources played down the idea of a members’ ballot or special conference but suggested the party could announce ways of consulting constituency parties and trade unions, a bespoke call for evidence or consultation through the national policy forum. | Labour sources played down the idea of a members’ ballot or special conference but suggested the party could announce ways of consulting constituency parties and trade unions, a bespoke call for evidence or consultation through the national policy forum. |
| There are several campaigns all now endorsing the idea of a members’ ballot. Michael Chessum, national organiser for Another Europe Is Possible, a leftwing anti-Brexit campaign, said: “A special conference would be better from the point of view of giving unions a vote and allowing delegates to debate the issue properly. | There are several campaigns all now endorsing the idea of a members’ ballot. Michael Chessum, national organiser for Another Europe Is Possible, a leftwing anti-Brexit campaign, said: “A special conference would be better from the point of view of giving unions a vote and allowing delegates to debate the issue properly. |
| “But ultimately it’s essential that members – who are overwhelmingly anti-Brexit and in favour of free movement – have a serious, binding, say on Labour’s policy, and a poll could be a mechanism for doing this. The fact that the party’s policy has been held back by a tiny number of unelected people at the centre, against the overwhelming will of members, is doing profound damage to the left and giving our opponents a major boost.“It’s clear that Labour and the left are shifting rapidly towards an anti-Brexit position, including at a very senior level, as well as [with] the big majority of the grassroots. What’s missing at the moment is a clear and deliberate announcement, something like a set piece speech from Jeremy [Corbyn] which sets out Labour’s determination to campaign for a final say as part of a wider radical programme.” | “But ultimately it’s essential that members – who are overwhelmingly anti-Brexit and in favour of free movement – have a serious, binding, say on Labour’s policy, and a poll could be a mechanism for doing this. The fact that the party’s policy has been held back by a tiny number of unelected people at the centre, against the overwhelming will of members, is doing profound damage to the left and giving our opponents a major boost.“It’s clear that Labour and the left are shifting rapidly towards an anti-Brexit position, including at a very senior level, as well as [with] the big majority of the grassroots. What’s missing at the moment is a clear and deliberate announcement, something like a set piece speech from Jeremy [Corbyn] which sets out Labour’s determination to campaign for a final say as part of a wider radical programme.” |
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