New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Politics
22 September 2019updated 23 Jul 2021 9:05am

Sadiq Khan calls on Labour to “unequivocally back Remain”

Khan wades into the Labour Brexit row, arguing that "staying neutral is not an option".

By Ailbhe Rea

Sadiq Khan has called on the Labour party to campaign “unequivocally to stay and remain in the European union in all circumstances”.

Speaking at an event hosted by the New Statesman at the Labour party conference in Brighton today, the mayor of London said that “all Labour MPs should be whipped to campaign to Remain”, at odds with party leader Jeremy Corbyn’s current position of neutrality on the subject. It is the latest development in a building row in Labour over its Brexit position.

Echoing Tom Watson’s recent call on the party to move to an unequivocally pro-Remain position, Khan told the audience that Labour is “at a vital crossroads. Staying neutral is not an option.”

“We’ve got to make the case on the doorstep that if we win the general election, we will give the British public a say with the option of leaving the European Union, and the option of remaining, and we will be campaigning passionately to stay in the European Union.”

Asked if he would be in favour of simply revoking Article 50, as is the Liberal Democrat policy, Khan insisted “we’ve got to give the British public a final say”.

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Content from our partners
The Circular Economy: Green growth, jobs and resilience
Water security: is it a government priority?
Defend, deter, protect: the critical capabilities we rely on