Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Brexit: Labour frontbencher supports campaign for second referendum 'in personal capacity'

Stephen Pound backs Open Britain's campaign for 'people's vote'

Shaun Connolly
Saturday 16 June 2018 20:36 EDT
Comments
Stephen Pound, the shadow Northern Ireland minister
Stephen Pound, the shadow Northern Ireland minister

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Labour faced fresh Brexit turmoil as another member of Jeremy Corbyn‘s top team came out in favour of a new referendum.

Shadow Northern Ireland minister Stephen Pound has backed the People’s Vote campaign, supported by the group Open Britain, which wants a national poll on the terms of a withdrawal deal.

Mr Pound’s former boss, Owen Smith, was sacked as shadow Northern Ireland secretary in March by Mr Corbyn after he called for a new referendum.

Mr Corbyn has repeatedly insisted Labour is not seeking a fresh poll, but has avoided completely ruling out such a move.

Mr Pound told a group affiliated to Open Britain that there had to be an evaluation of Brexit.

He said: “This decision is not something we can just forget about a week later.

“This is a decision that is going to affect my grandchildren, their children, and every single generation in this country.

“It is so, so serious that we have to have a cold evaluation."

He added: “This should be about the future of the European ideal. For us, and for all future generations.

“Support a people’s vote.”

Mr Pound told the Press Association: “I was speaking in a personal capacity, and not on behalf of the party.”

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in