Skip to main content

Sadiq Khan's call for a second referendum criticised by Left Leave campaigners

LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan’s call for a second EU referendum has been criticised by left leave campaigners.

The capital’s Labour boss said that with “no general election, and time running out” he would be backing a public vote with the option to stay in the EU.

But MP and leader of Labour Leave Graham Stringer said there are a “significant number” of Remainers, including Mr Khan, who are “trying to undermine democracy.”

And 2016 Lexit convener Alex Gordon said Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and shadow chancellor John McDonnell “could not have been clearer.” He told the Star: “Labour respects the decision of the electorate to leave the EU and will not undermine the result of the 2016 referendum.

“The People’s Vote campaign is a secretly funded front for big business to sabotage the democratic decision of over 17 million voters to leave the EU — and a stab in the back of Labour’s left leadership.”

Mr Gordon said the campaign’s proposal for the party to pledge a second referendum would drive voters away from a party that won’t respect democracy.

He said such a party would have no  chance of implementing “the real Labour policies to revive manufacturing, halt outsourcing of public services and renationalise our railways, which membership of the EU makes impossible.”

“The only people’s vote that we need is a general election.”

Labour said the party is not calling for another referendum.

A spokesman said: “In the event of Parliament being unable to reach agreement on a final deal, we believe the people should have a vote in a general election.”

But lobby group Another Europe is possible said today that 151 of 272 motions submitted to the Labour Party conference next week concerned Brexit – and most called for a second referendum with the option to stay in the EU.

Trade unionist Eddie Dempsey said a call for a second referendum would be a “disgrace” for Labour, driving a large section of the working class away from the party and acting as midwife for a new far-right movement.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today