A group of Labour MEPs has written to Jeremy Corbyn to ask him to back a second EU referendum – warning that giving the public a final say on Brexit is “the only way through the deadlock” in Westminster.

In a letter seen by The Independent, the seven MEPs, Julie Ward, Seb Dance, Jude Kirton-Darling, Catherine Stihler, Mary Honeyball, Wajid Khan and David Martin say they applaud Mr Corbyn’s criticisms of Theresa May’s Brexit deal but that the party needs to go further.

“We now face the challenge of what to do in light of its near certain defeat if we don’t manage to secure a rapid general election,” the MEPs say.

“The cowardly postponement of the vote by the PM means that time is running out and we need to bring forward decisions that will garner the support of the majority of our members and supporters.”

The MEPs, who represent a spread of areas across the North West, North East, London and Scotland, point to polling evidence that suggests that “in recent months, many Leave voting areas have changed their minds” and want to remain in the EU.

“We are living through a profound national crisis that will define our country for decades to come, and largely affects the future of our young people, who we know voted overwhelmingly to Remain in the EU,” the MEPs say.

“Isolationism has never, and will never be, the answer to the many global and international problems we must solve together with our allies. We need to have a seat at the table in order to shape the future, including reform of the European institutions.”

They add: “With the current impasse in Westminster, giving the people a final say on what to do is the only way through the deadlock. This is the democratic way forward, especially in the light of so much information and evidence that has come to light.”

Labour has 20 MEPs in the European parliament, making the call for a second referendum a minority position of around of a third of representatives in its delegation as this stage. Surveys of party members and voters suggest most would welcome another vote – though many prioritise other issues.

Mr Corbyn’s party faces a dilemma on whether to back a second referendum: polling suggests that Labour will lose the support of Remain voters if it is seen to endorse Brexit, while it would lose the support of many of its Leave voters if it tries to frustrate the referendum result.

The party has left the possibility of another referendum on the table but says its priority is to secure a general election.

A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Show all 65 1 /65 A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final say Brexit march - final say on our furture London, 20 October 2018 Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A People’s Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleâ€™s Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at London’s march for the future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final say Brexit march - final say on our furture London, 20 October 2018 Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final say Brexit march - final say on our furture London, 20 October 2018 Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final say Brexit march - final say on our furture London, 20 October 2018 Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final say Brexit march - final say on our furture London, 20 October 2018 Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final say Brexit march - final say on our furture London, 20 October 2018 Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final say Brexit march - final say on our furture London, 20 October 2018 Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final say Brexit march - final say on our furture London, 20 October 2018 Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final say Brexit march - final say on our furture London, 20 October 2018 Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final say Brexit march - final say on our furture London, 20 October 2018 Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say march for the future London, 20 October 2018 Credit: Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleâ€™s Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA

On Brexit the party says it would negotiate a closer relationship with the EU than Theresa May – inside a customs union and with a tighter relationship with the single market. It has been ambiguous on the question of free movement.

In a speech on Thursday about Brexit Mr Corbyn told the prime minister: “If you are so confident in your deal, call that election, and let the people decide.” He said if a general election could not be secured all options were “on the table, including the option of campaigning for a public vote”.