Jeremy Corbyn hints at prospect of snap general election

Jeremy Corbyn has said that his party is "very, very ready" to participate in a snap general election should it come to pass after Thursday's EU referendum outcome is known.

Much uncertainty surrounds the government following a possible victory for Brexit campaigners, as many believe it will de difficult for David Cameron and others to continue in their positions after such a fundamental disagreement.

The Labour leader used a speech at the People’s History Museum in Manchester to assert that workers’ rights would be under threat if Britons voted to leave the EU on Thursday.

Much uncertainty surrounds the government following a possible victory for Brexit campaigners

When he was asked about the prospect of Labour contesting a snap election, he replied "we will have to see on Friday".

“If the government can’t continue forever and it ends up deciding it needs to somehow navigate around the Fixed Term Parliament Act in order to have a general election a little sooner all I can say is that we’re are very, very ready for that.”

After fixed-term parliaments were introduced in 2011, it was supposed to be the case that elections would take place after every five years only, but the result of the referendum may put that in doubt.

Some Conservative MPs are thought to believe that an election may be favourable if it is necessary to assert the authority of a new leader, should Cameron be replaced.

Some Conservative MPs are thought to believe that an election may be favourable

In order to unpick the legislation and call for a snap election, the Conservatives would need the support of around two-thirds of MPs in the Commons. Today, Mr Corbyn indicated his party would provide that support.

He also criticised various figures within the Leave campaign for not protecting workers' rights, including Employment Minister Priti Patel.

“It’s a bit odd when you’ve got an employment minister who announces that the first thing she wants to do on Friday if there is a Leave vote, is to tear up at least half of the employment regulations."

"I think they should tell us which half it is – is it the holidays? Is it the maternity leave?... which particular regulations is it that they find so offensive that have done so much to improve the lives of so many people in this country.”