It is 11 months to the day since For our Future’s Sake – the campaign I helped found – was launched. Since then, we’ve become one of the groups linked to the People’s Vote campaign, hosted hundreds of events, passed pro-People’s Vote policy in dozens of youth-led organisations and ensured young people’s voices are heard across the media.
In the weeks before and after the People’s Vote March for the Future on 20 October (led by young people), it felt like the campaign for a second referendum had a growing sense of momentum.
But since the beginning of 2019, with the Government’s continued delay tactics, parliament’s constant state of crisis and Labour’s ongoing civil war - it felt like that a second referendum was, to coin a phrase, ‘off the table.’
Indeed, a number of commentators, pundits and unelected advisors took great delight in writing gleeful epitaphs for the campaign.
Whilst some would like to see Jeremy Corbyn’s announcement last night as a massive shock, the reality is that it is a consequence of continued pressure, campaigning and the inevitable end game of democratically decided conference at Labour’s annual conference.
Let’s go back to the beginning. We were one of the lead groups at Labour Party Conference, where the three stage policy, including the option of a public vote at the end was agreed by members.
Having failed to gain backing for their own alternative Brexit plan, as well as the vote of Confidence falling in the Government, Labour support for a public vote was always the next and final stage.
The creation of The Independent Group of MPs (TIG) – and more importantly, the threat of further defections – has certainly sped up the process within the Labour party to supporting a second referendum. Polling showing dropping support for both Labour and Jeremy Corbyn personally – tied up with his Brexit approach – has further increased the pressure.
Elsewhere in Parliament, the Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson amendment continues to gain momentum – with support from Labour’s frontbench more likely, and known supporters of the Prime Minister’s deal such as Jon Cryer MP, backing it.
The ‘Put it to the People’ march, announced for 23 March, has already raised over £250,000 and gained thousands of sign-ups.
Ultimately, Labour’s changed position in support of a second referendum, is down the ceaseless and overwhelming pressure from Labour’s members, supporters and voters and MPs. It is a triumph of democracy and elected representatives, over unelected advisors. 80% of Labour members, as well as voters in every single one of Labour’s 248 constituencies (including, by the way, across the North East and Midlands) back a second referendum.
However, let’s be clear. Labour’s support for a second referendum is a necessary step, but not a singularly sufficient one in gaining a majority to ensure a public vote on any Brexit Deal happens.
Led by young people and students - momentum for a People’s Vote is building once again. In 11 months, we’ve built support across the country, and in Parliament, that we wouldn’t have dreamed of in Spring 2018.
By the end of month 12, we will have had at least one more meaningful vote, and a massive demonstration outside of parliament - and hopefully, secured agreement for a People’s Vote.
Amanda Chetwynd-Cowieson is a co-founder of For our Future’s Sake, a youth and student-led movement which is part of the People’s Vote campaign