Jeremy Corbyn is set to shift Labour’s policy to support a second referendum, under pressure from pro-European colleagues, Sky sources have said. 

The shadow cabinet meets this afternoon for a special discussion of Brexit, in the wake of Labour’s drubbing at the European elections.

Party sources told Sky News that Mr Corbyn is prepared to go further by supporting a fresh referendum on any deal agreed with Brussels which parliament approves.

But those pushing for the leader to wholeheartedly embrace campaigning to remain in the EU may be disappointed.

Until now, Labour’s policy has been to seek a general election, and only push for a second referendum on a Conservative Brexit deal if an election is impossible, or to stop no deal.

The change in policy follows pressure from colleagues including Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary and Sir Keir Starmer, shadow Brexit secretary, who want the party to expressly commit to campaigning to remain.

Any change agreed would, according to one aide, be an “evolution”.

A source close to Mr Corbyn pointed to his words on a visit to Leo Varadkar in Dublin at the end of last month as an indication of his current thinking.

The Labour leader said at the time: “We don’t back a re-run of 2016. That happened. That is gone.

“What I do say is that if parliament comes to an agreement, then it’s reasonable, and if parliament wishes it, there should be a public vote on it but that is some way off.”

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No statement is expected after the meeting, but there are rumours the Labour leader could make a speech on the new Brexit policy this week.

One shadow cabinet source said: “We don’t know how far it will go. Jeremy Corbyn will make another rod for his own back if it ends up pleasing no one.”

Labour finished in a humiliating third place at the European elections in May, having leaked votes to the Liberal Democrats and the Green party which both promised a second referendum.

Ms Thornberry said, as the results came in, that Labour – which attracted just 13% of the votes cast – had taken a “kicking” and needed to change policy.

It is understood that those in the shadow cabinet who have been most hostile to a second referendum have softened their opposition to it following the thrashing at the polls, with the exception of party chairman Ian Lavery.

He tweeted about the rumoured change in policy: “I fear it’s correct. But please understand there position really is to head for to revoking A50 (Article 50).”

The leaders’ office is poised for activists to try and force a change in policy at its annual conference in late September,
with constituency Labour parties sending in motions for the party to campaign to remain in the EU.

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