Thread by @sunny_hundal

I'm a strong and committed Remainer.

But I also think it's a mistake to force Jeremy Corbyn to commit to a second Referendum on Brexit. Labour members shouldn't go down that road.
#lab18

Here's why:

If Corbyn says he is committed to a second Referendum *before* Theresa May's deal has been voted on, it will be a disaster.

Why? Two reasons:

First, May will immediately accuse him of helping the EU and trying to wreck Brexit. It will unite all Tories (ensuring her deal goes through).

Secondly, it will allow her to say Labour were always angling for No Deal, and are to blame from fallout of No Deal.

In other words, it will be a lifeline for Theresa May. That's why she's been trying hard to get Corbyn to take a stance against Brexit.

It will not only strengthen her hand, but give her space to blame Labour if things go wrong.

Corbyn is right: Labour's first priority should be to win an election, not do some Referendum rerun.

Then, by their own policy, Labour needs a deal that is *as good as* staying in Single Market and Customs Union.

But first: focus on an election.

But the WORST outcome here will be if Remainers force Corbyn to adopt a position that helps May unite her party. And blame Labour for any fallout.

There is NO scenario in which helping May stay on as PM helps the Remain camp.

So my plea to Labour members and delegates at #lab18 is - please allow Corbyn the flexibility.

Don't tie him into committing to a People's Vote or Second Referendum as official policy. It will backfire politically.