What does Labour’s policy change on a new Brexit referendum actually mean?

Analysis: Cynics say Jeremy Corbyn has changed direction to avoid further MP defections but, as John Rentoul explains, an end to the Brexit deadlock might be in sight

There is still some way to go before we will know the consequences of Labour’s policy shift (EPA)

The key announcement came at 5.27pm yesterday, just half an hour before Jeremy Corbyn addressed the weekly meeting of Labour MPs in Westminster.

An emailed news release to journalists said he would tell them the party will “put forward or support an amendment in favour of a public vote to prevent a damaging Tory Brexit”.

It is not yet clear when he will “put forward” such an amendment, or when there would be a suitable amendment for him to “support”. Tomorrow, there will be an amendment in the name of the leader of the opposition setting out the party’s Brexit demands, notably a permanent customs union. That amendment won’t mention a referendum.