Corbyn calls on new Tory leader to hold second Brexit referendum

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called on the next Tory leader “to have the confidence” to put the Brexit outcome back in the hands of the people in a second referendum and says Labour will campaign to remain in the European Union.

In an announcement on Tuesday, Corbyn said a Brexit deal or no-deal outcome should be put to a second people’s vote but also reiterated that fresh general elections were needed.

In a letter sent to party members after being accused of not clarifying the party’s ambiguous stance over leaving the EU, Corbyn said: "Whoever becomes the new prime minister should have the confidence to put their deal, or no deal, back to the people in a public vote.

"In those circumstances, I want to make it clear that Labour would campaign for Remain against either no deal or a Tory deal that does not protect the economy and jobs."

Regarding the general election, he said that "after nine years of austerity, too many people in this country cannot find decent, secure, well-paid work, and have to rely on public services that have been severely cut back."

He continued: "Our country is ravaged by inequality and rising poverty, huge regional imbalances of investment, and the government is failing to tackle the climate emergency facing us all."

A general election could become more likely if MPs block a no-deal Brexit proposal by Tory leadership candidate Boris Johnson in October.

"Labour set out a compromise plan to try to bring the country together based around a customs union, a strong single market relationship and protection of environmental regulations and rights at work," Corbyn wrote to members.

"We continue to believe this is a sensible alternative that could bring the country together. But the Prime Minister refused to compromise."