Secret Brexiteer Jeremy Corbyn makes last-ditch bid to avoid backing second referendum as he begs Tories to support customs union plan

The Labour boss today wrote to all MPs – including Tories – to try and get them to get behind his soft Brexit blueprint.

Tonight the House of Commons will vote on his amendment and several others, where there's a chance MPs could swing behind it.

If that happens he can argue he's managed to avoid a "damaging Tory Brexit" and won't back another vote on Brexit.

But Tories are unlikely to support Mr Corbyn's plan because they believe Britain should be able to strike its own trade deals after we leave the EU, and he is watering down our exit.

Under a customs union Britain won't be able to do that, and benefit from being able to go it alone.

Mr Corbyn wrote this afternoon: "In recent weeks I’ve been speaking to businesses, industry organisations and trade unions to get their views on the way forward.

"It is their overwhelming view that we need a new comprehensive customs union and close alignment with the single market.

"I very much hope you will consider backing our amendment – which respects the result of the 2016 referendum, and one which safeguards jobs, investment and industry in this country."

And he said he would be happy to meet or talk to anyone who might want to get behind it, in a clear reaching out.

The Labour boss has said if the PM's deal gets passed it should go back to the people for a second referendum, with senior figures arguing Remain has to be on the ballot paper.

He's trying to keep both sides of his warring party happy, and this week finally vowed to support another vote after months of dithering.

But as a lifelong Eurosceptic he doesn't really want a vote which could see Britain stay in the EU.

Under mounting pressure from campaigners and Remain supporters he finally gave in and made huge steps towards making another vote part of his party's official policy.

Newly independent MP Chris Leslie said today that the move was proof that Labour's policy on Brexit was still incredibly muddled.

He blasted: "The Labour leadership are stuck repeating their already-rejected approach, sending confused signals about what their Brexit policy actually is.

"It’s clear the established parties are focused on internal party politics ahead of the national interest."

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