Pressure builds on Corbyn to back People's Vote

Could a shift in Momentum policy change Jeremy Corbyn's stance on a People's Vote? Photo: PA / Jane Barlow - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

A petition of members of left-wing pressure group Momentum is nearing a key milestone.

Almost 4,000 members of the group – formed to back Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership bid and now one of the most powerful voices within the Labour party – have now backed a policy change to support a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal.

As it stands Corbyn has refused to back a second vote.

But the petition, organised by Tower Hamlets activist Alena Ivanova, could spark a ballot of all Momentum members. When 4,000 signatures is reached rules appear to suggest a full ballot will be required.

Organisers claim: ‘We deplore the persistent attacks of the right-wing of the Labour party and their attempts to weaponise the issue of Brexit against our party leadership.

‘But we are equally opposed to the Tory Brexit now on offer. It is a disaster for working class people, public services, peace in Ireland, migrants, the environment, human rights, jobs and our children’s futures – the complete opposite of everything a socialist government would do.

‘The so-called soft Brexit being pushed by neo-liberal ‘centrists’ is hardly better: it threatens to turn us into a vassal state of Europe, making us rule takers not rule makers.’

One Labour source said: ‘This could prove tricky for Jeremy. A significant shift from Momentum would certainly put pressure on him to back a People’s Vote. If this is debated at conference I think we really could see a change in direction.’