Jeremy Corbyn has come under pressure this week to back a second referendum after a YouGov poll found that seven in ten Labour members wish for it to be party policy. So far, Corbyn has resisted such calls for a so-called People’s Vote. In this week’s Spectator, I explain why the Labour leader is reluctant to go near one – at least for the time being.
With the Tories in turmoil over Brexit, it’s quite possible — some cabinet members believe probable — that the government may soon collapse with a new general election called. This is Labour’s great hope – and Corbyn hopes to trigger a snap poll by defeating the government in a confidence motion after the meaningful vote. However, in order to make the most of such an opportunity – whether it is this year or in two years’ time – Labour must also get through Brexit without fatally wounding the party’s electoral chances in the process.
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