Labour takes step towards backing Final Say referendum as MPs trigger plan to thwart no-deal Brexit

Trade unions agree party should call for second public vote on EU membership

Labour must express view on Brexit now, says John McDonnell

Labour has taken a big step towards full backing for a second EU referendum, after trade unions agreed the party should demand a public vote on any Brexit outcome produced by the Tories.

Both the deal and the option to stay in the EU should be on the ballot paper, and Labour should campaign for Remain, the union leaders agreed.

The decision leaves open the possibility Labour could negotiate its own Brexit deal if it wins a general election.

It came after MPs earlier launched a new bid to stop the next prime minister opting for a no-deal Brexit without parliament’s consent.

See below for what was our live coverage.

[8 July 2019 18:33 · Jane Dalton]

Trade unions have unanimously demanded Labour back a second Brexit referendum, piling even more pressure on Jeremy Corbyn.

They also want the party to support Remain if the new Tory prime minister negotiates a fresh Brexit deal.

Union leaders agreed both Remain and the new deal should be on the ballot paper of a fresh vote, and Labour would campaign for Remain.

[8 July 2019 19:14 · Jane Dalton]

The unions' decision is a big step towards Labour giving its full backing to a second EU referendum.