What about a Second Referendum?

Serious debate means not distorting reality or others’ views.

The announcement that Labour will support a second referendum if its deal is not accepted in Parliament has brought out all sorts of strange comments on the left:

* That this is a victory for the Another Europe is Possible campaign.

* That this has been brought about by the defection of the Tiggers and the pressure of their friends still in the LP.

In reality, it is much more likely (though I am not claiming it is proven) that this is the logical position Corbyn had to go for given how May is dealing with Brexit in parliament.

It is also in line with policy as decided by Conference. You can question whether this part of that policy should have been invoked sooner, but not that it is in line with that policy.

Some seem to think this means a second referendum is inevitable. Why? There is not necessarily a majority in parliament for it, especially as there will be Labour MPs against.

Some are claiming a referendum, if it happens, will have to have Remain as an option. Why? Firstly Labour does not determine the questions on the ballot paper, the government does. Secondly, despite what Thornberry and some others are saying, Labour Party policy, as spelt out in that conference vote, does not say that Remain has to be an option on the ballot paper. No guarantee that Labour will push for Remain to be an option on the paper [or that it succeeded if it did]. [I would point out before the abuse, that I think Remain should be an option on the ballot paper]

Some assume that if there is a second referendum with Remain as an option, Remain would win. There is no basis for this assumption (or its opposite). Opinion poll evidence is contradictory, to say the least. Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for.

If there is a second referendum with Remain on the ballot paper, the chances of Leave winning would be greatly enhanced if there is a repeat of a lack of distinction between a Labour Remain campaign and a Tory/Lib Dem/Tigger Remain campaign (as, essentially, first time round). Think Scotland and the damage that approach did to Labour's standing. Labour's campaign has to be based on "Remain and reform".

Let’s not lose sight of the fact that IF we have a second referendum and even IF Remain were to win, we would still have a Tory government. We would STILL desperately need a General Election and a massive effort if we are to win.