Tom Watson makes plea for Labour unity amid Momentum walkout fears
2 min read
Tom Watson will make a plea for Labour unity - amid speculation that he may face a walkout during his speech to the party's conference.
The deputy Labour leader - who survived an attempt by supporters of Jeremy Corbyn to axe his post on the eve of the gathering in Brighton - will say it is time to "draw a line under" the row.
Instead, he will say Labour members must come together and turn their fire on the Conservatives ahead of the next general election.
But sources close to Mr Watson believe members of Momentum will stage a protest against him by walking out of the conference hall while he is speaking.
In his keynote speech, the deputy leader will say: "Turning in on ourselves is a gift to the Tories. I didn't choose the row going into this vital week for our party and our country, I didn't want it, I didn't seek it and I regret it. It was damaging, divisive and unnecessary. Unfortunately we cannot pretend it didn't happen. But let us now draw a line under it."
He will add: "Boris Johnson is putting Britain in the greatest danger we’ve faced as a nation since the summer of 1940.
"The Tories seem to want to destroy as much of Britain as they can. Not just our economy and our social fabric, but our constitution too.
"Now, of all times, we cannot let the Tories escape scrutiny. Labour must be together. This is a time to keep our gaze high. To remember who we are, and what we believe, and what we’re trying to achieve. Social justice, equality and opportunity for everyone in our country."
Momentum boss Jon Lansman launched the surprise attempt to scrap the post of deputy leader at a meeting of Labour's ruling national executice committee.
But following a backlash by MPs and some trade unions, Jeremy Corbyn defused the row by announcing a review of the role instead.
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