Cambridge Labour Party passed a motion last Friday, following the defeat of Theresa May’s plan, calling on the national Labour party to ‘strongly support staying in the European Union,’ in the event of a General Election. And as a General Election is not immediately expected, Cambridge Labour Party also calls for:

• An extension of the deadline for Article 50 beyond 29th March 2019 because the Government has deliberately run down the clock
• Any proposed deal must meet the six tests set by Labour’s Front Bench
• The public then must be given the final say, including on either an exit deal agreed by Parliament or remaining in the European Union, with the Labour Party asked to campaign to stay in the EU

The motion was passed last Friday (18th January 2019) at the monthly General Committee, with contributions to the debate made by members across the whole city. CLP (Constituency Labour Party) motions are used by local Labour parties to publicly express their opinions or make calls for actions on specific issues.

Cllr Lewis Herbert, Leader of Cambridge City Council and of Cambridge City Labour councillors says, “We want Labour to make the case for Europe in Parliament, and we want a final say for Cambridge residents and across the UK, in line with a similar call by a recent full meeting of Cambridge City Council.”

“Given that the immediate chance for a General Election is small, Cambridge Labour is united in our calls to end the Brexit mess in Parliament, largely the fault of Theresa May’s government and we want what others want in Cambridge, continued EU membership and future job security for our residents and their families in Cambridge, including the 9,000 non-UK EU nationals who are equal Cambridge citizens.”

Mike Davey, Chair of Cambridge Labour Party says, “Cambridge Labour Party is one of the largest local Labour parties in the east of England, with a diverse membership in age, class and background.”

“Discussions on this issue was lively with a full range of views, and I welcome the final decision made by our activists. Cambridge and Britain need a period of extra time so we can get the best deal on Europe, and a say for residents before the final decision. An unplanned and inadequate crash out from Europe has to be avoided.”

Full text of policy agreed by Cambridge Labour Party

This CLP urges the Labour Party nationally to make absolutely clear that in the event of a General Election it will strongly support staying in the European Union. Given that a General Election is not immediately expected, a letter should be sent to the Leader of the Party, stating that in line with the Conference Motion, and all options remaining on the table,

• An extension of the deadline for Article 50 beyond 29^th March is now essential
• Any deal must meet the six tests set by Labour
• The public should then be given the final say on either the exit deal agreed by Parliament or remaining in the European Union, with the Labour Party campaigning to stay in the EU.