Diane Abbott tells constituents she would push for second referendum on Brexit deal
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Loading... - Gemma Brown
- 29 Nov 2020
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Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott has written to two of her constituents telling them she would vote for a second referendum on the Brexit deal.
This move is at odds with the Labour leadership, as the party has specifically ruled out the policy.
The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington said: "I will argue for the right of the electorate to vote on any deal that is finally agreed."
After her remarks were revealed, she told The Guardian that they were "poorly worded."
She said her views were not at odds with Labour party policy: "There is no important story here, just a poorly worded standard letter that was sent out.
"There is no difference at all between my position and official Labour party policy."
Ms Abbott had written to constituent Hayley Dove, who shared the letter she was sent with the Guardian.
Ms Dove said: "I think it’s absurd she has responded in this manner.
"If she does believe what she says in this letter then she should say so publicly and make it really clear."
Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said he was pleased about what the shadow cabinet member had told her constituents.
He said: "It is really encouraging that such a senior member of the shadow cabinet should come out for the Liberal Democrat position of giving the public a vote on the final deal.
"If the progressive parties did work together to give the public a say on the final deal, we could, even at this late hour, still stop Brexit."
Another constituent, 52-year-old Les Kelly, also received the letter.
He told The Guardian: "Like a lot of people in the constituency, I’m very concerned about Brexit. I was really surprised to see it."
Diane Abbott was a strong Remain supporter during the referendum.
