Trade union members overwhelmingly back fresh EU referendum - poll
2 min read
Members of the UK's three largest trade unions overwhelmingly support a referendum on the final Brexit deal, according to a new poll.
The YouGov survey of Unison, Unite and GMB members showed they back another vote by 68% to 32% - a margin of more than two to one.
Unison members are most enthusiastic, with 66% wanting another referendum, followed by Unite members on 59% and GMB members on 56%.
The findings heap further pressure on Jeremy Corbyn to also back another referendum, given the three unions plough millions of pounds into the Labour party every year.
Earlier this week, GMB general secretary Tim Roache formally threw his union's weight behind the People's Vote campaign.
He said: "GMB respects the result of the referendum, but how we leave the EU is as important as the decision to leave in the first place.
""That’s why GMB is calling for a public vote on the final deal. As trade unionists, when we negotiate a pay deal with an employer, we go back to our members and ask them if they’re happy with it."
The poll findings were published as TUC delegates prepare to gather in Manchester this week for their annual congress.
Former TUC president Dame Margaret Prosser said: "Trade unions always listen to members and that's why we're already beginning to see them move on this issue. But this poll is important because it shows we need to move further and faster in the next few weeks if we're going to fight for the best interests of workers.
"Tories like Jacob Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson are planning to dump a disastrous Brexit on Britain because they care only about themselves. A People's Vote is the last, best hope we have of preventing them from inflicting massive damage on jobs, public services and our most hard-pressed communities."
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