LONDON (AP) - Britain’s opposition Labour Party is expected to hold a series of votes at its party conference Monday to establish an unambiguous policy on whether it favors leaving the European Union. Many members would prefer to remain part of the EU, but party leader Jeremy Corbyn prefers to remain neutral. Various factors are shaping the debate, with a general election viewed as likely in the coming months. Here is a look at Labour’s deliberations.
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WHAT DOES CORBYN WANT?
Corbyn’s primary goal is to win a general election and bring his left-wing party to power. He and the party’s divided National Executive Committee do not want the party to spell out a “remain” or “leave” stance ahead of a general election, even though the divisive issue is by far the most prominent policy matter on the political horizon.
Their complicated scenario calls for the party to win an election, take power, negotiate a new deal with the EU, schedule a referendum on whether to endorse the new deal or remain in the EU, then hold a special party conference to determine the party’s position on the matter.
In effect, that means the Labour Party would not take a stance on Brexit during an upcoming general election that would pit it against the pro-Brexit Conservatives and the anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats.
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WHY IS CORBYN TAKING THIS MIDDLE COURSE?
He may be concerned about alienating Labour voters in districts that in the 2016 Brexit referendum voted to leave the EU. He has always been lukewarm about the benefits of staying in the EU and prefers in his speeches to focus instead on growing economic inequality, workers’ rights and other social issues.
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ARE LABOUR VOTERS BACKING HIS POSITION?
That’s not entirely clear yet, although many are clearly unhappy with it. The party’s view may be determined by a series of votes at the party conference in Brighton on England’s south coast. The party is expected to vote on several motions, including one on whether to explicitly back Corbyn’s neutral approach, one simply calling for general support for Corbyn’s position as party leader, and a third that would test party sentiment on adopting a clear position to stay inside the EU.
Many in Labour believe remaining part of the EU bloc is the best course, both for the national interest and for the party’s hopes of winning an election, but Corbyn also enjoys strong personal support. He has moved the party steadily to the left since taking the leadership post in 2015.
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WHAT IS AT STAKE IN THE UPCOMING VOTES?
It would be significant if Labour votes to adopt an unequivocal positon in favor of “remain” ahead of an election. It already favors a referendum on public sentiment but has not taken a stance on what outcome it seeks.
Mike Buckley, director of the grassroots lobbying group Labour for a Public Vote, says that a vast majority of party members want to remain in the EU under all circumstances. He says voters need to have a clear understanding of Labour’s stance.
The party has called for a referendum but has not specified what its position will be.
“If we add a commitment to Remain, we will at last be providing the leadership the country needs,” he said.
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WHERE DO SOME OF THE OTHER PARTIES STAND ON BREXIT?
The Conservative Party led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Brexit Party headed by Nigel Farage are outspoken advocates of leaving the EU. The resurgent Liberal Democrats say they will revoke Article 50 (which triggered the withdrawal) and end the Brexit process altogether if they come to power. Brexit is also opposed by the Scottish National Party and many of the smaller parties.
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