Labour’s deep divisions on Brexit were on display as a backbencher demanded a free vote on Theresa May’s deal while John McDonnell conceded MPs could rebel over a second referendum.
Caroline Flint, who represents the strongly pro-Leave Don Valley, said up to 70 MPs were against a so-called people’s vote while dozens were ready to vote for an “improved deal” tabled by the Prime Minister.
Speaking to Sky News on Sunday morning, shadow chancellor McDonnell stressed it was still Labour’s policy to pursue a Labour Brexit deal but added the party had been “forced” into backing the option of a referendum due to “chaos” in government.
But signalling some MPs would reject the party line, he admitted the party would have to “respect people’s views and their constituency interests” as well.
Asked if shadow ministers who rebel on a Labour amendment for a second referendum would be sacked, he said: “Normally we will whip and that will be decided in the normal way by the chief whip and the shadow cabinet and the party overall.
“I think on an issue as this we would see a whip but also you’ve got to respect people’s views and their constituency interests as well, and the whipping arrangement will be determined in discussion in due course.
“I just say this - and I think it’ll be for MPs right the way across the House in all parties now - that they’ve got to look to the long-term interests of the country, they’ve got to protect people’s jobs, they’ve got to protect the economy, otherwise we’ll never be forgiven in the future.”
Flint, meanwhile, told Sky News on Sunday morning that Jeremy Corbyn must allow backbenchers a free vote, should the PM table a new Brexit plan with enhanced workers’ right.
The former minister said: “My appeal to John McDonnell, to Jeremy Corbyn, to Keir Starmer, is allow MPs to have a free vote on an improved deal.
“So those MPs who want a second referendum can vote for that but those of us who want to keep our promises to our electorate can also keep faith with those people and vote for an improved deal.”
Flint also said: “I think there is something like 60 or 70 Labour MPs who feel as strongly as I do against a second referendum, but also I think it’s important to recognise that many of those MPs also feel that we have to move on, we have to stop a no-deal and if there’s an improved offer on the table, then Labour should engage with that sincerely.”
She added if there was a free vote among Labour MPs then “tens, twenties, thirties would vote for an improved offer”.
McDonnell was also asked if he would attend the People’s Vote campaign march later this month.
He joked: “Well, I’ll think about it certainly, I’m not one to miss a good march.
“I also have to say as well I don’t want to do anything or say anything that disrespects the people who strongly, in my own constituency and elsewhere, who supported Leave and I don’t want to do anything that offends them.”
McDonnell added he is attempting to bring people together over the issue and seeing what compromises can be reached, saying: “At the end of the day I think we will have to unite on the basis of a very British compromise.”
The MP for Hayes and Harlington earlier denied Labour had the next election in mind when switching its approach.
Asked if supporting a second referendum would make the next election harder, he said: “It may well be but we’ve got to be honest with people - people have had enough of politicians who say one thing and actually do another.”
McDonnell said Labour could not allow a “reckless” Brexit as pushed by Theresa May nor a no-deal as it will have “dire consequences” in the long-term.