Hilary Benn and Alan Johnson cheer up Labour MPs

Jeremy Corbyn was still stuck in the Commons chamber when the Labour Party held its weekly meeting this evening. He had been due to attend after MPs had complained that he was avoiding them, but this has now been moved to another week.

Instead, Hilary Benn and Alan Johnson gave brief speeches on the EU referendum that left some centrist Labourites in an unusual state of joy. Both performances were described as ‘sparkling’ by those inside the meeting, with one saying it made them ‘proud to be Labour’, a phrase you don’t hear that often. The proud Labour MP continued:

‘We were at our best tonight – all about the national interest and the seriousness of the situation.’

Johnson told those present that Labour will officially sign up in support of the In campaign tomorrow. Asked if there would be a three line whip in favour of the party’s support, Johnson said the vote was a matter for the Shadow Cabinet, but that the party’s position on Europe was clear.