Should pro-EU campaigners pressure Labour over Brexit – and if so, how?

Another seismic Brexit vote promised, another disappointing outcome produced.

In the run-up to yesterday afternoon, when the ping pong between the Commons and the Lords meant MPs were voting on the ‘meaningful vote’ proposal for a second time, Westminster was anxious and excited for what was expected to be a close result. Alas, Theresa May somehow managed yet again to quash a rebellion. The ‘meaningful vote’ amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill, which could have given MPs the power to stop a ‘no deal’ Brexit, was defeated by 319 votes to 303. Dominic Grieve, known as the Tories’ arch Remainer rebel, voted against his own amendment.

Four Labour MPs voted with the government: Frank Field, Kate Hoey, John Mann and Graham Stringer, all of whom campaigned to Leave. Core group Lexiters only. The Labour whips ran an impressive operation, assisted by passionate Eurosceptic Dennis Skinner who proved his loyalty to Jeremy Corbyn and helped keep rebels in line.

But at summer drinks receptions in parliament last night, there was a high level of frustration amongst Labour MPs. Ultimately the Opposition had to rely on Tory Remainers, who have repeatedly failed to live up to their ‘rebel’ reputations. Many in Westminster were also shocked by the dirty tactics employed by Tory whips. Instead of ‘nodding through’ ill MPs, as per parliamentary convention, they refused to pair members such as Labour’s Naz Shah, who had to be wheeled into the division lobby with a sick bowl on her lap to vote.

The latest Brexit vote result raises questions over how Labour Remainers should pressure the party leadership on Brexit. Some feel that pro-EU campaigns should focus less on Labour and more on Tory so-called rebels who rarely follow through on their threats to go against the government on key Brexit votes. After all, it’s unclear how exactly Labour is supposed to stop Brexit unilaterally.

Others disagree. Last weekend, Corbyn’s speech at Labour Live was somewhat overshadowed by young campaigners from Our Future, Our Choice and For our Future’s Sake, who held up a banner instructing the Labour leader to “stop backing Brexit”. And on Saturday, the most pro-EU MPs will join the March for a People’s Vote – including Mike Gapes, who has written for LabourList today explaining his support for the demonstration. So how effective are these efforts to persuade the lifelong Eurosceptic Labour leader to further soften his position on Brexit?

Perhaps their best chance is to highlight the voices of Corbynites who are less than happy about the party’s line on Brexit. TSSA, headed by left-wing general secretary Manuel Cortes, is holding a rally tonight to launch its own campaign for a people’s vote. Meanwhile, Open Labour, which holds its conference this weekend, is carving out a space for itself as a faction that represents pro-EU pro-Corbyn members. As I’ve discussed with Stephen Bush on the latest New Statesman podcast, we know the party membership fits that #PCPEU description, so if Remainers want to pressure Labour, Corbyn-supportive endeavours appear more shrewd.

Sienna @siennamarla

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