Brexit: Divisions at the top good for debate, says Labour councillor

Currently the party hierarchy is at odds over whether there should be another referendum on the issue, with Deputy Leader Tom Watson openly calling for a public vote.

Kevin Pardy, Labour Shropshire councillor for Sundorne in Shrewsbury, said he felt the differences within the party mirror those across the UK.

He added that the attitudes of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and his deputy were a positive because they ensure that their positions are questioned.

He said: "I voted remain and I remain a remainer but I just see that as a democratic vote you have to respect.

"If we have another vote I can see real problems.

"As far as the party is concerned it is a real personal thing.

"We all have our own reasons for voting the way we did and as far as the party is concerned I think the differences of opinion reflect that. It is the same as what is going in the country.

Questioning

"As far as Tom Watson and Jeremy Corbyn that is quite a good team to have because you have one questioning the other and I do not think that is a bad thing."

Councillor Alan Mosley, leader of the Labour group on Shropshire Council, said the party had been right to honour the referendum result, and that the party's leaders are working towards a solution.

He said: "Labour was right with its 2017 Manifesto commitment to accept the referendum result and its promise that a Labour government will put the national interests first.

"Equally we pledged to reject any thoughts of a no-deal Brexit and demanded the protection of jobs and living standards, building a close new relationship with the EU, protecting workers’ rights and environmental standards and providing certainty to EU nationals.

"All this is still relevant as Labour leaders seek to work responsibly towards a solution that respects the public’s stated views and resolves the utter chaos inflicted by the mismanagement of our current Tory government."