UK's Labour wants second Brexit referendum

Britain's Labour Party says the government should hold a second referendum on Brexit, and will campaign to stay in the European Union if it is called.

Mr Johnson is a longtime advocate of a Brexit break up with the EU. Source: AAP

In a significant shift, Britain's main opposition Labour Party says the government should hold a referendum on whether to leave the European Union or remain in the bloc.

Leader Jeremy Corbyn says Labour will campaign to stay in the EU if a referendum is called by Prime Minister Theresa May's successor.

Jeremy Corbyn last week. Source: AAP

Conservative lawmakers Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are competing for her job.

Labour's opponents, and many supporters, have accused the party of dithering over Brexit for fear of alienating voters on opposing sides of the debate.

But recent elections suggest Labour is losing support to parties that advocate remaining in the EU.

Corbyn said on Tuesday that the new prime minister "should have the confidence to put their deal, or no-deal, back to the people in a public vote".