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Corbyn heading for clash with Labour members by calling for Brexit decision to be postponed – live news Corbyn heading for clash with Labour members by calling for Brexit decision to be postponed – as it happened
(about 13 hours later)
Jeremy Corbyn is facing a clash with party members tomorrow over his plan to postpone a vote on what stance the party should adopt in a referendum on Brexit until after the general election. The party’s national executive committee has approved a motion saying this decision must “only” be taken after the proposed Brexit renegotiation. See 4.40pm. But surveys suggest the Labour membership is overwhelming in favour of remain, and at least 80 motions have been submitted saying the party should commit to remain now. Delegates will debate this decision tomorrow afternoon, but whether the conference ends up taking a firm decision, or settling on a compromise, may depend on the wording of the composite motion that is being drafted in a private meeting this evening.Jeremy Corbyn is facing a clash with party members tomorrow over his plan to postpone a vote on what stance the party should adopt in a referendum on Brexit until after the general election. The party’s national executive committee has approved a motion saying this decision must “only” be taken after the proposed Brexit renegotiation. See 4.40pm. But surveys suggest the Labour membership is overwhelming in favour of remain, and at least 80 motions have been submitted saying the party should commit to remain now. Delegates will debate this decision tomorrow afternoon, but whether the conference ends up taking a firm decision, or settling on a compromise, may depend on the wording of the composite motion that is being drafted in a private meeting this evening.
Delegates have voted for a motion that theoretically commits the party to getting rid of private schools. (See 6.25pm.) Other motions passed by the conference, under new procedures intended to give delegates more say over policy (see 5.52pm), include ending NHS outsourcing and making the provision of all social care free. (See 7.02pm.)Delegates have voted for a motion that theoretically commits the party to getting rid of private schools. (See 6.25pm.) Other motions passed by the conference, under new procedures intended to give delegates more say over policy (see 5.52pm), include ending NHS outsourcing and making the provision of all social care free. (See 7.02pm.)
Jeremy Corbyn has suggested a Labour Brexit deal could be preferable to remaining in the EU, putting himself on a collision course with activists and MPs pushing for the party to campaign for remain.Jeremy Corbyn has suggested a Labour Brexit deal could be preferable to remaining in the EU, putting himself on a collision course with activists and MPs pushing for the party to campaign for remain.
Diane Abbott has urged a key adviser to Jeremy Corbyn who resigned citing a lack of “professionalism, competence and human decency” in the Labour leader’s team to reconsider his decision.Diane Abbott has urged a key adviser to Jeremy Corbyn who resigned citing a lack of “professionalism, competence and human decency” in the Labour leader’s team to reconsider his decision.
That’s all from me for tonight.That’s all from me for tonight.
Thanks for the comments.Thanks for the comments.
From the Mirror’s Pippa CrerarFrom the Mirror’s Pippa Crerar
Labour source, asked about the difficulties of implementing last bit of the private schools policy, smiles wrily. “I think it would require, errr, quite a lot of work.” https://t.co/ADc3cZIxZGLabour source, asked about the difficulties of implementing last bit of the private schools policy, smiles wrily. “I think it would require, errr, quite a lot of work.” https://t.co/ADc3cZIxZG
This is from my colleague Rajeev Syal.This is from my colleague Rajeev Syal.
@labourlewis is Clive Lewis.@labourlewis is Clive Lewis.
Shadow Treaury minister @labourlewis gives a damning verdict on Lab’s proposed Brexit compromise in a GE campaign. “It’s the equivalent of saying to an officer in the trenches: ‘what’s the objective?’ And him saying ‘I don’t know, we will decide once we are on the other side.”Shadow Treaury minister @labourlewis gives a damning verdict on Lab’s proposed Brexit compromise in a GE campaign. “It’s the equivalent of saying to an officer in the trenches: ‘what’s the objective?’ And him saying ‘I don’t know, we will decide once we are on the other side.”
As promised a bit earlier, here is a summary of the five composite motions and one women’s conference motion passed by delegates earlier. (See 5.15pm.) All were passed overwhelmingly on a show of hands.As promised a bit earlier, here is a summary of the five composite motions and one women’s conference motion passed by delegates earlier. (See 5.15pm.) All were passed overwhelmingly on a show of hands.
1) Schools composite 11) Schools composite 1
This effectively commits the party to abolishing private schools. See 6.25pm.This effectively commits the party to abolishing private schools. See 6.25pm.
2) Schools composite 22) Schools composite 2
This says Labour should stop the opening of any new academies and free schools and bring all publicly funded schools back under the control of local authority education committees.This says Labour should stop the opening of any new academies and free schools and bring all publicly funded schools back under the control of local authority education committees.
3) NHS composite 13) NHS composite 1
This says Labour should provide “the necessary additional resources to cover rising costs in the NHS and social care” and “end all privatisation and outsourcing in the NHS”.This says Labour should provide “the necessary additional resources to cover rising costs in the NHS and social care” and “end all privatisation and outsourcing in the NHS”.
4) NHS composite 24) NHS composite 2
This says Labour should end all NHS outsourcing and return all outsourced services and staff to the NHS.This says Labour should end all NHS outsourcing and return all outsourced services and staff to the NHS.
5) Social care composite5) Social care composite
This says Labour should “make the provision of all social care free to [the] recipient as is the case for health care under the NHS”.This says Labour should “make the provision of all social care free to [the] recipient as is the case for health care under the NHS”.
Women’s conference motion on migrant womenWomen’s conference motion on migrant women
This says Labour should end the detention of asylum seeking women, put a 28-day limit on all immigration detention and end charges for migrant and refugee women needing ante-natal and maternity care.This says Labour should end the detention of asylum seeking women, put a 28-day limit on all immigration detention and end charges for migrant and refugee women needing ante-natal and maternity care.
Andrew Marr has replied to Jeremy Corbyn. (See 6.06pm.)Andrew Marr has replied to Jeremy Corbyn. (See 6.06pm.)
Pushback? Well, I was genuinely pleased that, on what cannot have been an easy morning for him, JC turned up for a live interview. And of course I always welcome helpful advice on how to do my job https://t.co/gTIlHVmaXkPushback? Well, I was genuinely pleased that, on what cannot have been an easy morning for him, JC turned up for a live interview. And of course I always welcome helpful advice on how to do my job https://t.co/gTIlHVmaXk
The Independent Schools Council has said abolishing private schools would be an attack on parental freedom. (See 6.25pm.) Its chief executive, Julie Robinson, said:The Independent Schools Council has said abolishing private schools would be an attack on parental freedom. (See 6.25pm.) Its chief executive, Julie Robinson, said:
Parents across the country have every right to be worried about the decision by Labour party conference to support a motion to abolish independent schools. The move is an attack on the rights and freedoms of parents to make choices over the education of their children.Parents across the country have every right to be worried about the decision by Labour party conference to support a motion to abolish independent schools. The move is an attack on the rights and freedoms of parents to make choices over the education of their children.
Abolition would represent an act of national self-harm. Tearing down excellent schools does not improve our education system. The repercussions would be irreversible and far-reaching, damaging educational opportunities and limiting life chances. Moreover, Labour’s plan would breach the European convention on human rights on the right to choose education.Abolition would represent an act of national self-harm. Tearing down excellent schools does not improve our education system. The repercussions would be irreversible and far-reaching, damaging educational opportunities and limiting life chances. Moreover, Labour’s plan would breach the European convention on human rights on the right to choose education.
Of the five composite motions passed this afternoon, the most important is schools composite 1. (See 11.26am). Momentum, the pro-Corbyn organisation which by one estimate is backed by around 70% of CLP (constituency Labour party) delegates at the conference and which promoted schools composite 1, has just put out a news released headed: “Labour commits to abolishing private schools in next manifesto.” Laura Parker, Momentum’s national coordinator, said:Of the five composite motions passed this afternoon, the most important is schools composite 1. (See 11.26am). Momentum, the pro-Corbyn organisation which by one estimate is backed by around 70% of CLP (constituency Labour party) delegates at the conference and which promoted schools composite 1, has just put out a news released headed: “Labour commits to abolishing private schools in next manifesto.” Laura Parker, Momentum’s national coordinator, said:
This is a huge step forward in dismantling the privilege of a tiny, Eton educated elite who are running our country into the ground. Every child deserves a world class education, not only those who are able pay for it, and I’ll be proud to campaign on this manifesto pledge at the next election.This is a huge step forward in dismantling the privilege of a tiny, Eton educated elite who are running our country into the ground. Every child deserves a world class education, not only those who are able pay for it, and I’ll be proud to campaign on this manifesto pledge at the next election.
When she was explaining Labour’s policy earlier, Angela Rayner, the shadow education secretary, did not put it quite in these terms. She said Labour was committed the “integration” of private schools into the state sector, which implies a more gradualist and voluntary approach. (See 11.26am.) John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, recently told the Guardian that he wanted an education system “where private schools don’t need to exist and should not exist where we have equality of education” - which is also not quite the same as promising to close Eton against its wishes.When she was explaining Labour’s policy earlier, Angela Rayner, the shadow education secretary, did not put it quite in these terms. She said Labour was committed the “integration” of private schools into the state sector, which implies a more gradualist and voluntary approach. (See 11.26am.) John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, recently told the Guardian that he wanted an education system “where private schools don’t need to exist and should not exist where we have equality of education” - which is also not quite the same as promising to close Eton against its wishes.
But the text of schools composite 1 does back up the Momentum analysis of what it means. I quoted some of it earlier. For the record, here it is in full. I have used bold text to highlight the most significant sentence.But the text of schools composite 1 does back up the Momentum analysis of what it means. I quoted some of it earlier. For the record, here it is in full. I have used bold text to highlight the most significant sentence.
Conference notes:Conference notes:
Only 7% of UK students attend private schools, yet the Sutton Trust 2019 report revealed that 65% of senior judges, 52% of junior ministers, 44% of news columnists and 16% of university vice-chancellors were educated in private schools.Only 7% of UK students attend private schools, yet the Sutton Trust 2019 report revealed that 65% of senior judges, 52% of junior ministers, 44% of news columnists and 16% of university vice-chancellors were educated in private schools.
Children at private schools have 300% more spent on their education than children in state schools.Children at private schools have 300% more spent on their education than children in state schools.
Participation in private schooling is concentrated at the very top of the family income distributionParticipation in private schooling is concentrated at the very top of the family income distribution
A Populus poll revealed 63% of the public agree, “it is unfair that some people get a better education and life chances for their children by paying for a private school.”A Populus poll revealed 63% of the public agree, “it is unfair that some people get a better education and life chances for their children by paying for a private school.”
Conference believes:Conference believes:
Labour must go further than the 2017 manifesto to challenge the elite privilege of private schools who dominate the top professions.Labour must go further than the 2017 manifesto to challenge the elite privilege of private schools who dominate the top professions.
The on-going existence of private schools is incompatible with Labour’s pledge to promote social justice, not social mobility in education.The on-going existence of private schools is incompatible with Labour’s pledge to promote social justice, not social mobility in education.
Labour is opposed to hierarchy, elitism and selection in education.Labour is opposed to hierarchy, elitism and selection in education.
Private schools reflect and reinforce class inequality in wider society.Private schools reflect and reinforce class inequality in wider society.
Conference resolves:Conference resolves:
To include in the next Labour party general election manifesto a commitment to integrate all private schools into the state sector. This would include, but is not limited to:To include in the next Labour party general election manifesto a commitment to integrate all private schools into the state sector. This would include, but is not limited to:
Withdrawal of charitable status and all other public subsidies and tax privileges, including business rate exemption.Withdrawal of charitable status and all other public subsidies and tax privileges, including business rate exemption.
Ensure universities admit the same proportion of private school students as in the wider population (currently 7%)Ensure universities admit the same proportion of private school students as in the wider population (currently 7%)
Endowments, investments and properties held by private schools to be redistributed democratically and fairly across the country’s educational institutions.Endowments, investments and properties held by private schools to be redistributed democratically and fairly across the country’s educational institutions.
Jeremy Corbyn has criticised the BBC for not giving enough attention to newspaper allegations that Boris Johnson failed to declare potential conflicts of interest while London mayor. Referring to a story broken by the Sunday Times saying Johnson allegedly failed to declare an interest in the allocation of public money to a close friend, Corbyn said:Jeremy Corbyn has criticised the BBC for not giving enough attention to newspaper allegations that Boris Johnson failed to declare potential conflicts of interest while London mayor. Referring to a story broken by the Sunday Times saying Johnson allegedly failed to declare an interest in the allocation of public money to a close friend, Corbyn said:
There was something important in one of the Sunday papers today about an alleged abuse of power and misuse of public funds by Boris Johnson before he became prime minister. But, do you know what? Lots of the media have barely touched it. Incredible, isn’t it? This is about the man who is the prime minister of our country.There was something important in one of the Sunday papers today about an alleged abuse of power and misuse of public funds by Boris Johnson before he became prime minister. But, do you know what? Lots of the media have barely touched it. Incredible, isn’t it? This is about the man who is the prime minister of our country.
Referring to his appearance on the Andrew Marr Show this morning, Corbyn said:Referring to his appearance on the Andrew Marr Show this morning, Corbyn said:
I was on the BBC’s flagship news programme this morning and I was asked about a range of issues. That’s fine. It’s right. It’s justified. It’s how our democracy works.I was on the BBC’s flagship news programme this morning and I was asked about a range of issues. That’s fine. It’s right. It’s justified. It’s how our democracy works.
But I was followed by Boris Johnson’s deputy [Dominic Raab], who was asked nothing about these allegations.But I was followed by Boris Johnson’s deputy [Dominic Raab], who was asked nothing about these allegations.
This is how the establishment works. They close ranks. They put privilege first.This is how the establishment works. They close ranks. They put privilege first.
Things have to change.Things have to change.
Labour will put people first before privilege.Labour will put people first before privilege.
In the conference hall the “reference back” votes are still going ahead. The row a moment ago (see 5.15pm) was about a procedural point that was barely comprehensible. But the broader story is clear, and quite interesting; members are complaining that they are not having as much influence over policy as they want.In the conference hall the “reference back” votes are still going ahead. The row a moment ago (see 5.15pm) was about a procedural point that was barely comprehensible. But the broader story is clear, and quite interesting; members are complaining that they are not having as much influence over policy as they want.
In their recent book on party political membership, Footsoldiers, the academics Tim Bale, Paul Webb and Monica Poletti reveal that in 2017 Labour members were more likely than members of any other main party (the Tories, the Lib Dems, the SNP, Greens and Ukip) to say that they should have more influence over party policy. At one level this was surprising because Tory members have almost zero influence over party policy, and Labour members have some influence. But the kind of people who join Labour expect to have a say over party policy, and when Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader he promised to give more power to the membership. Bale, Webb and Poletti write:In their recent book on party political membership, Footsoldiers, the academics Tim Bale, Paul Webb and Monica Poletti reveal that in 2017 Labour members were more likely than members of any other main party (the Tories, the Lib Dems, the SNP, Greens and Ukip) to say that they should have more influence over party policy. At one level this was surprising because Tory members have almost zero influence over party policy, and Labour members have some influence. But the kind of people who join Labour expect to have a say over party policy, and when Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader he promised to give more power to the membership. Bale, Webb and Poletti write:
The figures for the 2017 survey suggest, however, that [Corbyn] was not widely felt to have delivered on this promise during his first two years as leader - an impression only strengthened by subsequent developments: by 2019, there were unmistakeable signs of growing discontent among an overwhelmingly anti-Brexit membership of the way Jeremy Corbyn was dealing with this issue.The figures for the 2017 survey suggest, however, that [Corbyn] was not widely felt to have delivered on this promise during his first two years as leader - an impression only strengthened by subsequent developments: by 2019, there were unmistakeable signs of growing discontent among an overwhelmingly anti-Brexit membership of the way Jeremy Corbyn was dealing with this issue.
This analysis does not take account the fact that this year the conference schedule has been changed to ensure that members do have more of a say in the past. As Luke Akehurst explains in this LabourList briefing, this year 20 priority ballot motions are being debated, not the usual four. That is a significant change. But, judging by some of the things being said on the floor of the conference, some members are not satisfied.This analysis does not take account the fact that this year the conference schedule has been changed to ensure that members do have more of a say in the past. As Luke Akehurst explains in this LabourList briefing, this year 20 priority ballot motions are being debated, not the usual four. That is a significant change. But, judging by some of the things being said on the floor of the conference, some members are not satisfied.
Another delegate in the conference hall has just complained about the size of the union vote. “There is no point us voting here because everything we vote for just gets voted down,” she said. “Why don’t you just stay here and we can go to the pub?” she added in exasperation.Another delegate in the conference hall has just complained about the size of the union vote. “There is no point us voting here because everything we vote for just gets voted down,” she said. “Why don’t you just stay here and we can go to the pub?” she added in exasperation.
In his speech to the party conference Richard Burgon, the shadow justice secretary, said that a Labour government would reverse all the Tory cuts to legal aid-funded early legal help within 100 days of coming to power. Here is an extract from a Labour news release with more details.In his speech to the party conference Richard Burgon, the shadow justice secretary, said that a Labour government would reverse all the Tory cuts to legal aid-funded early legal help within 100 days of coming to power. Here is an extract from a Labour news release with more details.
Early legal help is the legal support that people receive prior to a lawyer representing them in the courts. It is the kind of advice that many desperately need when faced everyday problems such as flawed benefits decisions or rogue landlords.Early legal help is the legal support that people receive prior to a lawyer representing them in the courts. It is the kind of advice that many desperately need when faced everyday problems such as flawed benefits decisions or rogue landlords.
Access to justice has been seriously undermined by the Tory and Liberal Democrats changes to legal aid, with hundreds of thousands of people unable to enforce their rights.Access to justice has been seriously undermined by the Tory and Liberal Democrats changes to legal aid, with hundreds of thousands of people unable to enforce their rights.
In addition to Labour’s previous commitments to restore this form of legal aid for housing cases, family law and welfare benefits appeals, this move will restore legal aid cuts for immigration cases, employment, debt, and mental health cases.In addition to Labour’s previous commitments to restore this form of legal aid for housing cases, family law and welfare benefits appeals, this move will restore legal aid cuts for immigration cases, employment, debt, and mental health cases.
A lack of early legal advice often creates extra costs for the taxpayer as cases go to court which could have been resolved earlier or spiral into costly social problems as people unnecessarily lose their homes or jobs.A lack of early legal advice often creates extra costs for the taxpayer as cases go to court which could have been resolved earlier or spiral into costly social problems as people unnecessarily lose their homes or jobs.
The United Nations special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights has said that cuts in legal aid meant many could no longer afford “to challenge benefit denials or reductions and are thus effectively deprived of their human right to a remedy.”The United Nations special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights has said that cuts in legal aid meant many could no longer afford “to challenge benefit denials or reductions and are thus effectively deprived of their human right to a remedy.”
In the conference hall delegates have voted to pass five composite motions, plus a motion from the women’s conference. All were carried overwhelmingly. I will summarise what they say shortly.In the conference hall delegates have voted to pass five composite motions, plus a motion from the women’s conference. All were carried overwhelmingly. I will summarise what they say shortly.
They are now voting on some “reference back” proposals relating to policy commission reports. This is the process went wrong before lunch. (See 1.16pm.) There have been more complaints about the process not being clear, but this time the votes are going ahead. But one delegate complained about the voting system being unfair. The trade unions control almost half the votes at Labour conference. The delegate said this meant ordinary members kept getting defeated by the union vote. It should be one member, one vote, he said.They are now voting on some “reference back” proposals relating to policy commission reports. This is the process went wrong before lunch. (See 1.16pm.) There have been more complaints about the process not being clear, but this time the votes are going ahead. But one delegate complained about the voting system being unfair. The trade unions control almost half the votes at Labour conference. The delegate said this meant ordinary members kept getting defeated by the union vote. It should be one member, one vote, he said.
According to ITV’s Robert Peston, some members of Labour’s national executive committee are saying that the Brexit policy statement that the NEC is supposed to have agreed (see 4.40pm) has not actually been agreed by the committee.According to ITV’s Robert Peston, some members of Labour’s national executive committee are saying that the Brexit policy statement that the NEC is supposed to have agreed (see 4.40pm) has not actually been agreed by the committee.
Attached is Labour’s Brexit position (pledge to hold referendum but no decision on whether to back leave or remain till 3 months after the election). Or is it Labour’s Brexit position? Because leader’s office says it has been approved by ruling NEC. But NEC members tell me... pic.twitter.com/yYxwpiX38FAttached is Labour’s Brexit position (pledge to hold referendum but no decision on whether to back leave or remain till 3 months after the election). Or is it Labour’s Brexit position? Because leader’s office says it has been approved by ruling NEC. But NEC members tell me... pic.twitter.com/yYxwpiX38F
they haven’t approved it and are requesting a new meeting. “God knows” whether this is the official policy, one influential source told me. https://t.co/dxVkyw2tuOthey haven’t approved it and are requesting a new meeting. “God knows” whether this is the official policy, one influential source told me. https://t.co/dxVkyw2tuO
Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, has been speaking to the Guardian editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, at a fringe event. Here are some of the highlights from my colleague Frances Perraudin.Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, has been speaking to the Guardian editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, at a fringe event. Here are some of the highlights from my colleague Frances Perraudin.
Guardian editor Katharine Viner is interviewing shadow home sec Diane Abbott. She kicks off by asking about Andrew Fisher’s leaked resignation note. “I’ve been in politics too long to comment on things I haven’t actually read,” says Abbott. pic.twitter.com/pJSncBpKe5Guardian editor Katharine Viner is interviewing shadow home sec Diane Abbott. She kicks off by asking about Andrew Fisher’s leaked resignation note. “I’ve been in politics too long to comment on things I haven’t actually read,” says Abbott. pic.twitter.com/pJSncBpKe5
On Watson, Abbott says she has never been to a Labour conference where the media weren’t “running around like headless chickens” saying there were splits in the party.On Watson, Abbott says she has never been to a Labour conference where the media weren’t “running around like headless chickens” saying there were splits in the party.
“Tom Watson is going around very relaxed and happy,” says Abbott.“Tom Watson is going around very relaxed and happy,” says Abbott.
On Lab voters being attracted by the Lib Dems, she says people will have to weigh up Lib Dem policies and their “commitment to the Labour Party.”On Lab voters being attracted by the Lib Dems, she says people will have to weigh up Lib Dem policies and their “commitment to the Labour Party.”
On climate change - Abbott says we need to shift to start talking about “climate justice” and the disproportionate effect of climate change on certain parts of the globe. Because of that “our diverse communities know about the effects of climate change,” she says.On climate change - Abbott says we need to shift to start talking about “climate justice” and the disproportionate effect of climate change on certain parts of the globe. Because of that “our diverse communities know about the effects of climate change,” she says.
Asked about the huge levels of abuse that she gets online, Abbott says that people commenting online should not be able to stay anonymous.Asked about the huge levels of abuse that she gets online, Abbott says that people commenting online should not be able to stay anonymous.
Research found that Abbott received almost half (45.1%) of all the abusive tweets sent to female MPs ahead of the last general election.Research found that Abbott received almost half (45.1%) of all the abusive tweets sent to female MPs ahead of the last general election.
Abbott says that Twitter and Facebook should ask people for identifying information when they sign up. People wouldn’t post the “frankly illegal” things they do if that were done, she says.Abbott says that Twitter and Facebook should ask people for identifying information when they sign up. People wouldn’t post the “frankly illegal” things they do if that were done, she says.
Asked about her reported friendships with Tories like Michael Portillo, she says the idea that she “goes to cocktail parties with Tories” is bizarre.Asked about her reported friendships with Tories like Michael Portillo, she says the idea that she “goes to cocktail parties with Tories” is bizarre.
“Do you wish Brexit had never happened?” asks Viner. “Brexit did happen and the person to blame is David Cameron,” responds Abbott.“Do you wish Brexit had never happened?” asks Viner. “Brexit did happen and the person to blame is David Cameron,” responds Abbott.
The Mirror’s Dan Bloom has the text of the Brexit motion being proposed by Labour’s national executive committee.The Mirror’s Dan Bloom has the text of the Brexit motion being proposed by Labour’s national executive committee.
OK, stand down re my earlier tweet. Two NEC sources now say the NEC statement on Brexit HAS been agreed. Here it is in full. pic.twitter.com/RPQT2yK33iOK, stand down re my earlier tweet. Two NEC sources now say the NEC statement on Brexit HAS been agreed. Here it is in full. pic.twitter.com/RPQT2yK33i
The wording is much the same as the draft circulating yesterday, but there are two changes. The new version adds references to the Good Friday agreement and to the rights of EU nationals to the paragraph about the Brexit deal a Labour government would seek to negotiate.The wording is much the same as the draft circulating yesterday, but there are two changes. The new version adds references to the Good Friday agreement and to the rights of EU nationals to the paragraph about the Brexit deal a Labour government would seek to negotiate.
And the final paragraph now says:And the final paragraph now says:
The NEC believes it is right that the party shall only decide how to campaign in such a referendum - through a one-day special conference, following the election of a Labour government.The NEC believes it is right that the party shall only decide how to campaign in such a referendum - through a one-day special conference, following the election of a Labour government.
What’s new about this is the addition of the word “only”, which was not in yesterday’s text. It has the effect of firming up the message.What’s new about this is the addition of the word “only”, which was not in yesterday’s text. It has the effect of firming up the message.
This means the leadership is heading for a clash with Labour remainers like Emily Thornberry, who want the matter settled now. (See 4.12pm.)This means the leadership is heading for a clash with Labour remainers like Emily Thornberry, who want the matter settled now. (See 4.12pm.)
Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, has renewed her call for Labour to decide this week whether or not it will back remain in a future referendum. Firming up what she said in a Guardian interview last week, she told a HuffPost fringe meeting:Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, has renewed her call for Labour to decide this week whether or not it will back remain in a future referendum. Firming up what she said in a Guardian interview last week, she told a HuffPost fringe meeting:
We’re all here [at conference]. I don’t see why we can’t make the decision now ... I think that this conference should thrash it out.We’re all here [at conference]. I don’t see why we can’t make the decision now ... I think that this conference should thrash it out.
As the draft statement from Labour’s national executive committee shows, Jeremy Corbyn’s current plan is for a Labour government to negotiate a new Brexit deal within three months of coming to power and to hold a referendum within six months of coming to power. The party would decide at a one-day special conference after the renegotiation how it would campaign in the referendum.As the draft statement from Labour’s national executive committee shows, Jeremy Corbyn’s current plan is for a Labour government to negotiate a new Brexit deal within three months of coming to power and to hold a referendum within six months of coming to power. The party would decide at a one-day special conference after the renegotiation how it would campaign in the referendum.
The issue is due to be decided tomorrow. The conference will be asked to back the NEC statement, but many delegates will be pushing for a move to commit the party to backing remain in all circumstances. At least 80 motions have been submitted making this argument, and a meeting will take place tonight to roll these up into a composite.The issue is due to be decided tomorrow. The conference will be asked to back the NEC statement, but many delegates will be pushing for a move to commit the party to backing remain in all circumstances. At least 80 motions have been submitted making this argument, and a meeting will take place tonight to roll these up into a composite.