Tom Watson Hits Back At Ian Lavery's Criticism Of Second Referendum Stance

18 June 2019, 11:19 | Updated: 18 June 2019, 11:21

Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson hit back at party Chairman Ian Lavery for criticising his calls for a second referendum.

Labour Party Chairman Ian Lavery hit out Mr Watson for continued calls for a second referendum, saying the party's deputy leader was not "politically smart".

In a tweet, Mr Lavery responded to a speech made by Mr Watson saying: "Brexit has turned this country into a toxic nation. However, ignoring the 17.4m leave voters isn’t politically smart nor indeed particularly democratic. Is it?".

But the Deputy Leader hit back, saying the party's chairman did not represent the views of party members and supporters.

Speaking to James O'Brien on LBC, Mr Watson said: "[Mr Lavery] feels very strongly about this, and Brexit puts pressure on a lot of party bonds.

Deputy Labour Leader Tom Watson
Deputy Labour Leader Tom Watson. Picture: PA

"What I did yesterday was reflect the views of the vast majority of Labour Party members and supporters.

"I don't think Ian represents them.

"We need to recognise that parliamentary democracy has failed.

"We need a way through this, and the way through it is we can't agree a compromise, but we may be able to agree a process by which we resolve Brexit, and for me that's a people's vote.

"And if there's a people's vote, then parties need to take a position."

Watch above.

Trade deals, conclave and Reform UK: LBC’s best callers of the week

Trade deals, conclave and Reform UK: LBC’s best callers of the week

'Vance saw Francis... we might be onto something'

LBC caller jokes that JD Vance's visit to the late pope might've paved the way for an American pope

"Things have to get a little bit dirty"

Caller Alexander thinks that "things have to get dirty" to stop Reform

'They've alienated every single subsection of society'

Caller Phil ruthlessly describes a Labour Party that 'doesn't appeal to anyone'

Caller Peter shares why 'we must remember VE Day'

Caller Peter shares why 'we must remember VE Day'

James O'Brien asks: ‘how does Nigel Farage get away with it?’

James O'Brien asks: ‘how does Nigel Farage get away with it?’

James O’Brien is ‘fascinated’ by caller Will’s story on finding faith

James O’Brien is ‘fascinated’ by caller Will’s story on finding faith

LBC caller impresses James O'Brien and listeners with her analysis of the 'new world order'

LBC caller impresses James O'Brien with her analysis of the 'new world order'

Should the UK take a Canadian approach to dealing with Trump?

LBC callers: Should the UK take a Canadian approach to dealing with Trump?

20,000 Brits die each year because of ultra-processed food

LBC callers give their reaction to findings that 20,000 Brits die each year because of ultra-processed food

LBC caller in Lviv explains how Ukrainians feel betrayed by America

LBC caller in Lviv explains how Ukrainians feel 'betrayed' by America

LBC caller impresses James O'Brien with her take on the state of the West

LBC caller impresses James O'Brien with her take on the state of the West

James O'Brien

Caller John: 'The best way to understand Trump tariffs is Red Dwarf'

James O'Brien

James O'Brien challenges caller to provide evidence of Israeli accountability

James O'Brien

LBC callers share landlord horror stories

Man whose parents were murdered by Hamas on October 7 says: We are on precipice of global war— Peace is possible.

Man whose parents were murdered by Hamas on October 7 says: We are on precipice of global war— Peace is possible