Corbyn rejects idea of public vote on Johnson's Brexit deal

[nitpicker]

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/13/jeremy-corbyn-rejects-idea-public-vote-boris-johnson-brexit-deal-second-referendum

Corbyn rejects idea of public vote on Johnson's Brexit deal

Labour leader says he would prefer to fight election before any second referendum is held

Heather Stewart political editor

Sun 13 Oct 2019 10.18 BST Last modified on Sun 13 Oct 2019 10.19 BST

Jeremy Corbyn has poured cold water on the idea that Labour could support a bid to attach a referendum to Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal at next Saturday’s emergency sitting of parliament.

The prime minister is expected to convene the House of Commons for a rare Saturday session, either to ask for support for his Brexit deal, if he succeeds in striking one at this week’s European council – or to request that MPs back a no-deal exit at the end of this month.

Pro-remain MPs hope to amend any motion put by the government, to insist that Johnson’s deal be subject to a public vote.

But asked by Sophy Ridge on Sky News whether some MPs would be more likely to support a deal if it would be put to a referendum, Corbyn said, “I think many in parliament, not necessarily Labour MPs but others, might be inclined to support it, because they don’t really agree with the deal – but I would caution them on this.”

He said he would instead be keen to see a Labour-style Brexit deal, including a customs union, and guarantees on workers’ rights and environmental standards, put to the public.

Corbyn’s comments appeared to put him at odds with the shadow Brexit secretary, Keir Starmer, who said in a speech in Glasgow on Saturday that Labour would press for any deal Johnson secures to be subject to a referendum.
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