Labour refuses to rule out second EU referendum

Labour could campaign for a second EU referendum, but only if it fails to force a general election over Brexit.

Party bosses finally agreed a so-called "composite" motion which will be voted on by members at its conference in Liverpool after more than five hours of talks last night.

It says that "if we cannot get a general election Labour must support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote".

More than 100 local Labour branches had submitted motions demanding the party support a so-called "People's Vote" on the final Brexit deal.

Labour's official position is to vote against the deal unless it meets six tests they have set, including a guarantee that it delivers the exact same benefits as EU membership.

Last night's breakthrough finally came shortly before midnight as party power brokers tried to bridge the gap between the leadership and the Labour rank-and-file, many of whom marched in Liverpool yesterday.

Jeremy Corbyn had said he would finally throw his weight behind the campaign for another referendum if that was what Labour members voted for following a conference debate on Tuesday.

Speaking after last night's meeting, a Labour source said: "After a number of hours of discussion and debate, the composite meeting has agreed a motion on Brexit that will be taken to the conference floor.

"There was a wide range of views shared and discussed, with people expressing different opinions on the matter of a further referendum.

"The meeting was carried out in a cordial and respectful manner that recognises the complexities of Brexit. There was consensus in the room opposing the Tories’ chaotic approach to the Brexit negotiations, the fact that the final deal should be judged against the six tests, and that a general election should be called as soon as any deal is voted down by parliament.

"It was then agreed that if we cannot get a general election Labour must support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote"

Labour delegate Andrew Lewin, of the Labour Remain campaign, said: "This motion is a significant step forward for our grassroots campaign and all of our supporters.

"The party leadership moved their position closer to ours and there is no doubt the Labour Party is closer to supporting a People's Vote as policy now than it was at the start of the night. This is real progress."