LABOUR’s national executive committee (NEC) has reaffirmed the party’s existing policy on leaving the European Union, in a significant victory for Jeremy Corbyn.

The party’s governing body agreed that its manifesto for the European Parliament elections will commit to supporting a second referendum if a general election cannot be forced, or if the government will not change its policy on Brexit.

A Labour spokesperson said: “Labour’s European elections manifesto was agreed at the NEC today and it will be published soon.

“Labour is the only party which represents both people who supported Leave and Remain.

“We are working to bring the country together after the chaos and crisis created by the Tories.”

The Star understands that the manifesto will be released after the local elections, which will take place on Thursday.

The move is considered a victory for Mr Corbyn, who is being pressured by significant numbers of Labour MPs led by deputy leader Tom Watson to call for a second referendum on EU membership.

It has been alleged that Mr Watson “stormed out” of this morning’s shadow cabinet meeting, as he was refused to be given a print copy of the party’s European Parliament manifesto.

Left-wing NEC member Claudia Webbe criticised him as being a “divisive” figure.

A Labour source told the Star: “The NEC agreed to keep the party’s policy the same as it ever was, which is to carry on fighting for a general election and to support an alternative Brexit deal which puts workers’ rights first.”