Thread by @Rachael_Swindon

Sometimes we hear things and dismiss it as impossible, but I heard something today I find entirely believable. I say this as a Remainer, but I’m not as Remainyfied (new word?) as many of you. But that’s for another day.

Let’s talk about ‘Northern Labour’. 1/17

A huge number of our MPs, in Northern towns and cities, are under immense pressure. Most of them voted Remain, but accept the result of the referendum. They are in leave seats, and they are watching degenerates such as Yaxley-Lennon and chancers like Farage, hoover up votes. 2/17

And let’s be clear about this. It is not a pro or anti-Corbyn thing. It’s about bursting out from the Westminster bubble. Much of our working class vote is being ignored by a growing number inside the bubble. Much of our working class vote is in the North. 3/17

We have a Brexit policy. The problem we have is large numbers of MP/MEPs briefing the media and telling voters something different to what our policy actually is. This is alienating voters in huge numbers. Tom Watson seems to favour this approach. 4/17

‘Northern Labour’ would be a separate party. One that does what it says on the tin. One that would work with Labour on most issues, but their focus would be on things that benefit their constituencies and regions. Tom Watson’s vision doesn’t do that. 5/17

And one of their key policies would be to leave the EU, with a good deal, but essentially, leaving. Yes, I know this is our current policy, but a growing number that can’t see outside of the bubble are coming up with their own versions. It is blatant sabotage. 6/17

This group obviously wouldn’t support a 2nd vote as that’s the big problem for them. They are watching the damage unfold in front of their eyes on a daily basis. Their constituents are furious because Mr Watson, Mr Starmer, and others, are sticking 2 fingers up to them. 7/17

Our policy is abundantly clear. I’m now beyond repeating it.
I don’t like it. I campaigned for Remain, I am a Remainer. But, I accept we have to implement one vote before we can have a try. IndyRef being an example. The SNP want another referendum, but the 1st was accepted. 8/17

If you want an example of what the North of England will look like politically in 10 years time just look at Scotland. But you’ll have hard-right Brexit Party MPs instead of SNP MPs. We are on the verge of losing our heartlands to the hard-right, because of a 2nd vote. 9/17

These heartlands held their noses and voted for Blair, but now they feel betrayed. Every time Watson opens his mouth we lose a few more to Farage. I’m not sure how anyone can continue to be OK with this. It sounds like some of our Northern MPs aren’t OK with this. 10/17

But they are outnumbered, they know that. So ‘Northern Labour’ is far from impossible. Some people are shouting the loudest, but their voices aren’t being heard much past the M25, where a vast majority of our voters are. But for how much longer? 11/17

Tom and Co are happy to make things up as they go. But for whose benefit? Do we think hoards of Lib Dem voters will get behind us? Or is it more likely we will lose vast numbers of Leave voters to Farage? The answer is obvious enough. I’m Remain, but I’m still Labour. 12/17

My politics will not be defined by the single issue of Brexit. The world is in a right old state at the moment. Climate Change, crime, poverty, health, THIS IS NOW.

Had Remain won 52/48 I wouldn’t entertain the thought of another vote because Leavers want one. 13/17

I can see serious damage ahead. This may well suit the deputy leader. He’s tried everything else and it’s failed, so now it’s the nuclear option.
If we continue to push this ‘2nd vote at all costs’ approach we are fucked. And this is coming from a Remainer. 14/17

Most people I speak with outside of here, like friends and family, keep saying the same thing - “I wish they would just get on with it”. They voted both ways, some didn’t vote at all. They just want this done so we can talk about their kids schools. 15/17

I’d still vote Remain tomorrow, but I do want a Labour Government first and foremost, and I don’t think I’m alone. I can see the bigger picture, and I’m afraid it’s really not pretty.

Support the policy and represent it as it should be. 16/17

Failing that, join a party that represents your personal views. CHUK, Lib Dems, I do not care. Just stop sabotaging our party.

Enjoy your evening all x

17/17