Features

Labour defeats a Remainer rebellion

Jeremy Corbyn has faced down a challenge spearheaded by his deputy, Tom Watson, for Labour to signal its backing for a second Brexit referendum.

945-Corbyn-634

Corbyn: sticking to the fence

2019 Getty Images

Jeremy Corbyn has faced down a challenge spearheaded by his deputy, Tom Watson, for Labour to "signal its unequivocal backing for a second Brexit referendum in the forthcoming European election campaign", says Heather Stewart in The Guardian. On Tuesday, Labour's ruling National Executive Committee announced that its manifesto would be in line with its longstanding policy.

That means a "confirmatory referendum" only on what the Labour leader calls a damaging Tory Brexit, says Jim Pickard in the Financial Times, not on his preferred softer version of Brexit, which would involve a permanent customs union with the EU.

Labour has "always been split" between loyalty to its pro-European roots and fear of alienating working-class Leave voters, says James Blitz, also in the FT. But this time there are also differences over the party's tactical goal in the European elections. Watson says Labour's main goal must be to defeat Nigel Farage's Brexit party, which it won't do if it continues to "sit on the fence" over Brexit.

However, some Corbynites see a Brexit Party victory as an opportunity, says Will Hutton in The Observer. It would lead to a eurosceptic nationalist, probably Boris Johnson, taking over from May in the summer. He would argue for a no-deal Brexit, split the parliamentary Tory party and pave the way for a Labour election victory.

Given the disarray among the main parties and the fact that six million signed a petition for Brexit to be cancelled, "I find it remarkable that Change UK, the Lib Dems and the Greens have not made common cause to create an anti-Brexit alliance in what is effectively a proxy referendum' on 23 May", says William Hague in The Daily Telegraph. The election now stands to be a reassertion of Brexit. This failure to unite also suggests that "if and when" a realignment of parties takes place", Labour and Tories will pull left and right, with no real alternative left in the centre.

Recommended

Will energy prices fall 2023?
Personal finance

Will energy prices fall 2023?

Falls in wholesale energy prices have fed through into a lower energy price cap, but will that continue?
25 May 2023
UK inflation slides to 8.7% - what does it mean for your money?
Economy

UK inflation slides to 8.7% - what does it mean for your money?

Inflation has dropped below 10% for the first time in months, but with food prices at a 45-year high, is this good news and what does it mean for your…
24 May 2023
What is inflation and how will it affect you?
Inflation

What is inflation and how will it affect you?

ONS is set to announce the latest inflation figures this week with experts suggesting we may finally see it slide. We look at what lower inflation mea…
23 May 2023
Why the UK equity market is shrinking
Economy

Why the UK equity market is shrinking

The crisis has been building for 25 years, says Max King, and it will take decades to reverse the trend.
18 May 2023

Most Popular

Nationwide to give £100 cash boost to customers
Personal finance

Nationwide to give £100 cash boost to customers

Nationwide Building Society is giving customers £100 as it reinvests profits. Dubbed the Nationwide Fairer Share scheme, we look at who is eligible.
22 May 2023
Share tips of the week – 26 May
Investments

Share tips of the week – 26 May

MoneyWeek’s comprehensive guide to the best of this week’s share tips from the rest of the UK's financial pages.
25 May 2023
Holiday rip-off: Millions of travellers hit with hidden costs by using debit card abroad
Personal finance

Holiday rip-off: Millions of travellers hit with hidden costs by using debit card abroad

A family of four on a week-long trip to France could pay an extra £212 in fees by using their everyday bank card compared to the lowest-cost option, a…
23 May 2023