THE SNP has accused Jeremy Corbyn of an “abdication of duty” after the Labour leader refused to rule out remaining neutral in any future EU referendum.
Corbyn has repeatedly refused to clarify whether he would back Remain or Leave in a Brexit referendum he called as prime minister.
He wrote in today's Guardian that a Labour government would look to secure a new Brexit deal which would be put to the people in a second EU referendum – but strongly suggested that he would then refuse to take a position in the campaign.
Senior SNP MP Stephen Gethins said: “For the Labour leader to remain neutral on the biggest constitutional crisis facing the UK would be an abdication of duty, given that we already know that any form of Brexit will inflict lasting harm upon the economy and people’s livelihoods.
“There is no such thing as a good Brexit – whether it's red or blue – and economic evidence has shown that thousands of jobs will be lost and our vital public services put at risk. It is little wonder that Labour are trailing miserably in the polls in Scotland."
Corbyn said: "My job as prime minister would be to deliver that option that's chosen by the British people.
"I will credibly present the options and say 'this is the option, you can Remain, possibly with some reforms to the European Union, or you can Leave, but you will be leaving on these terms which would protect jobs and living standards and trade'."
Pressed if he would remain neutral in the campaign, Corbyn said: "As prime minister I'm offering the people a choice - the only party that's doing so."
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