Fresh Labour Brexit confusion as spokesman insists it is 'not a Remain party'

Labour's policy on Brexit is mired in fresh confusion after a spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn insisted it was not a "Remain party".



His comments came despite Labour pledging to campaign for Remain if another EU referendum is held before the next general election.

It also appeared to be at odds with recent comments made by Shadow International Trade Secretary Barry Gardiner, who said earlier this month said Labour had "always been a Remain and reform party".

But asked to confirm that was now Labour's position, Mr Corbyn's spokesman said: "We're not in that zone."

He added: "We've never said that. We've said we will campaign for Remain against a damaging Tory deal or against no-deal in a referendum, but there are other circumstances that could occur."

Adding to the confusion, shadow Scotland Office minister Paul Sweeney insisted on Wednesday morning that Labour would go into the next general election as a Remain-backing party.

Labour MP Wes Streeting, who supports a second referendum, made clear his frustration as he replied to a tweet highlighting the spokesman's comments.

He said: "By a clear majority our members are remainers, our voters are remainers and our values are remainers’.

"The message below is being amplified by the Lib Dems and SNP supporters for a reason: this spokesman’s comments are harmful to Labour and a gift to them."