People’s Vote: Jeremy Corbyn calls for second referendum on Brexit The Labour leader has backed calls for a new referendum with one month until the UK is due to leave

Labour is ready to back a fresh referendum on EU membership to prevent a “damaging Tory Brexit”, Jeremy Corbyn has announced.

The policy shift came after months of pressure from MPs for him to back a so-called People’s Vote, culminating in last week’s mass resignation of disaffected backbenchers.

Mr Corbyn, who was previously lukewarm on the prospect of a fresh ballot, delighted many of his MPs with the surprise announcement at a packed meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party.

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However, the move will run into opposition from at least 25 backbenchers who fear a backlash from voters angry that the 2016 referendum result could be overturned.

Labour plans

Labour will put forward its Brexit plans – including membership of the European customs union – in the Commons on Tuesday.

But if it is defeated, Mr Corbyn will move towards backing calls for a referendum when Theresa May holds the “meaningful vote” on Brexit, which she has promised by 12 March.

Remain would be on the ballot paper under the Labour plans.

Mr Corbyn told his MPs: “The Prime Minister is recklessly running down the clock in an attempt to force MPs to choose between her botched deal and a disastrous no deal [that] we cannot and will not accept.”

David Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham, said : “This is a big step towards uniting our party and, most importantly, our country. No Brexit deal meets the fantasy promised in 2016.”

The Prime Minister is recklessly running down the clock in an attempt to force MPs to choose between her botched deal and a disastrous no deal Jeremy Corbyn

Peter Kyle, the MP for Hove, said as he left the PLP meeting: “There is no turning back for Jeremy now.”

Owen Smith, who unsuccessfully challenged Mr Corbyn in 2016, said the defections were a factor in the timing of the announcement, adding: “If that’s what they have done, then they have done the country a service.”

But John Mann, the MP for Bassetlaw, warned Mr Corbyn: “In the Midlands and the north of England, this decision today will stop you from being Prime Minister. The price will be paid.”

Policy evolution

Amid competing pressures, last year’s Labour conference agreed to press for a general election but, if that was not possible, to keep other options on the table – including support for a People’s Vote.

This week Labour will put its alternative plan for a vote in the House of Commons. If Parliament rejects our plan, then Labour will deliver on the promise we made at our annual conference and support a public vote. https://t.co/EjCifYCDJP — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 25, 2019

A Labour source insisted that Mr Corbyn’s decision was the “evolution of our policy, not a giant leap”. He added: “We are seeking to bring people together in our party and among the membership.”

The source said that Labour would not back any amendments which included support for the PM’s “damaging Tory Brexit deal”.

Political reaction

The chairman of the Conservative Party, Brandon Lewis, said: “With only 32 days to go until we leave the EU, it is clear that Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour want to betray the will of the British people and ignore the biggest democratic vote in our nation’s history.”

The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Vince Cable, said the move could be a “defining moment” in the People’s Vote campaign. “My party will work with Labour and others to secure a People’s Vote with an option to remain,” he added.

The leader of the SNP group at Westminster, Ian Blackford, said: “Labour must be clear that Remain will be on the ballot paper in a second EU referendum.

“Scotland did not vote for Brexit and we must not be dragged out of the EU against our will. Remaining is by far the best deal of all.”

NEW: Our Chairman, John Longworth on Labour's call for a second referendum: "A cowardly decision from a man who should never be trusted with the Premiership of this country. Jeremy Corbyn." pic.twitter.com/Kom8zlZd9C — Leave Means Leave (@LeaveMnsLeave) February 25, 2019

The Leave Means Leave campaign said: “Corbyn claims he is upholding ‘conference policy’ by supporting a public vote. Mr Corbyn, your MPs were not voted for upon this basis.”