Jeremy Corbyn denies turning his back on Labour-voting Brexit supporters at Durham Miners' Gala

Earlier this week, Jeremy Corbyn said Labour will challenge whoever is the next Tory leader to put their Brexit deal to the a public vote.

And ahead of his speech at the Durham Miners’ Gala earlier today (Saturday, July 13), Mr Corbyn told the media he understood why people voted to leave but said a no-deal Brexit would threaten jobs in the region.

When asked whether he had turned his back on Labour-voting Brexit supporters in the North East the Labour leader replied: “I absolutely understand that people voted to leave, and I understand why. Lack of investment, lack of job opportunities in many communities, and a government in London who is more interested in investment in London and the South-East, than they are in the North East.

“That Boris Johnson offer of a no deal brexit and Jeremy Hunt’s offer of a no deal brexit will be incredibly damaging to jobs all across this country, particularly in the North East, which is the only part of the country that has a surplus in manufacturing trade with Europe. The damage to jobs will be absolutely immense. We will do everything that we can to prevent a no deal brexit from the European Union."

“I also believe that there should be a right for a popular decision afterwards. People can make their own choice. "

Earlier this week, following a meeting of the shadow cabinet, Mr Corbyn said Labour would campaign for Remain if there were to be a vote on the current Brexit deal.

In a letter to party members, he said: "Whoever becomes the new prime minister should have the confidence to put their deal, or no-deal, back to the people in a public vote.

"In those circumstances, I want to make it clear that Labour would campaign for Remain against either no-deal or a Tory deal that does not protect the economy and jobs."

A decision on who will succeed Theresa May – Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt – is expected on Monday, July 22.