Jeremy Corbyn confirms he will take a ‘neutral stance’ in second referendum

Jeremy Corbyn. Photograph: Jeff Overs/PA Wire. - Credit: PA

Jeremy Corbyn has used a BBC leaders’ debate to confirm he would adopt a ‘neutral stance’ if he were prime minister during a second referendum.

https://twitter.com/bbcquestiontime/status/1197961778807918593

An audience member asked: “Will you campaign to remain or leave the EU if elected. Why would anyone vote Labour without knowing the answer to that question?”

Corbyn replied: “One, we will negotiate a credible Leave deal with the European Union,” at which point the audience started laughing.

He continued: “I’m trying to answer the gentleman’s question. Secondly, we will put that alongside Remain in a referendum.

“My role and the role of our government will be to ensure that that referendum is held in a fair atmosphere and we will abide by the result of it.

“And I will adopt, as prime minister, if I am at the time, a neutral stance so that I can credibly carry out the results of that to bring communities and country together rather than continuing an endless debate about the EU and Brexit.”

Presenter Fiona Bruce pressed Corbyn on whether he would not pick a side during another referendum, as she brought his half-hour to a close.

“Yes,” he replied. “First heard here on Question Time.”