Jeremy Corbyn’s Brexit vote pressure before union talks

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is preparing to meet union leaders this week to discuss his party’s Brexit policy

REUTERS

Kate ProctorPolitical Reporter

24 June 2019

Jeremy Corbyn came under fresh pressure today as a poll showed that trade union members were overwhelmingly in favour of a second Brexit vote and would want to stay in the European Union.

The YouGov research findings came as the Labour leader prepared to meet union leaders this week to discuss his party’s Brexit policy.

The poll, commissioned by the People’s Vote campaign group, showed that 64 per cent of rank-and-file trade union members want another vote and 71 per cent would support staying in the EU if there was a new referendum.

Jo Stevens, secretary of the Trade Union Group of Labour MPs, said: “Labour’s official position is still too far behind that of our party members and voters, not to mention grassroots trade unionists who are the bedrock of our movement.

“When Jeremy Corbyn meets with trade union general secretaries, I hope he hears the strong message from working people, trade union members up and down the country, that we want a People’s Vote just like his constituents do in Islington — because now, more than ever, we need those voices to be heard.”

Mr Corbyn has repeatedly come under fire from fellow MPs for not being clear on what the party’s Brexit policy is and for shying away from significant calls within Labour for another vote.

The poll also revealed deepening pessimism about the future for working people if Brexit goes ahead. Of the 1,813 people surveyed, 69 per cent believe the economy will be weaker rather than stronger.

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