Jeremy Corbyn denies claims Labour's Brexit stance is 'confusing' as he rules out second EU referendum

Jeremy Corbyn denies claims Labour's Brexit stance is 'confusing' as he rules out second EU referendum The Labour leader says he accepts the UK will leave the EU but he will not allow the country to "go off a cliff in March 2019".

Image: Jeremy Corbyn is 'not advocating' a second Brexit referendum

Jeremy Corbyn has denied that Labour's position on Brexit is "confusing" as he ruled out support for a second referendum.

The Labour leader said his party accepted the UK was formally leaving the European Union but it would not allow the country to "go off a cliff in March 2019".

It comes after Labour deputy leader Tom Watson said nothing should be ruled out in the Brexit negotiations.

"Our position is that we are not advocating a second referendum," Mr Corbyn told the i newspaper.

"We have had a referendum which came to a decision. The negotiations are still ongoing, albeit well behind schedule, and we've set out the kind of relationship we want to have with Europe in the future."


On Labour's Brexit stance, Mr Corbyn said: "I don't think it's confusing.

Image: Mr Corbyn denied Labour's Brexit stance was 'confusing'

"We are formally leaving the European Union of course - that is the position - (but we want to) develop a good economic relationship with Europe and recognise the interdependence of our industries."

Earlier this month, nine Labour MPs supported a Lib Dem amendment to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, which sought a second referendum on the terms of the Brexit deal.

The same unsuccessful amendment was opposed by two Labour MPs.

A group of 70 London-based Labour councillors also reportedly wrote a letter asking shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer to commit to provide the opportunity for "people to change their mind".

Lib Dem Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said Mr Corbyn's latest remarks showed Labour was "nailing (its) colours to the mast in support of hard Brexit".

"The party of opposition has again shirked their responsibility to oppose Theresa May's Government," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Corbyn said he believes he can maintain momentum behind his party even if there is no general election until 2022.

"I've got loads of energy," he told the Independent.

"I'm fine. I eat porridge every morning. Porridge and energy bars and I keep off alcohol and meat."