Jeremy Corbyn has defended his decision to remain "neutral" in a second EU referendum, saying it is a sign of "strength and maturity".
The Labour leader came under fire after disclosing he would not take sides in the proposed public vote on a new Brexit deal which the party intends to negotiate with Brussels.
The Tories ridiculed his plan, accusing Corbyn of "deciding to be indecisive" on the biggest issue facing the country.
But on an election campaign stop in Sheffield, Corbyn insisted he is offering a "sensible way forward" which can finally bring the country together.
"I think being an honest broker and listening to everyone is actually a sign of strength and a sign of maturity," he said.
"My role as the Labour prime minister would be to ensure that is carried out in a fair way, that the offers put are fair, and that I will carry out the result of that referendum.
"I think this is actually a sensible way forward that actually can bring people together."
READ MORE: Jo Swinson's voting record caught up to her on BBC Question Time
But Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the Labour leader's stance "won't wash" with the electorate.
"He has actively decided to be indecisive on the biggest issue of the day. It won't wash with voters," he told Sky News's Sophy Ridge On Saturday programme.
"I think it is an absolute disaster. You can't ask this country to be its prime minister while not having a view on the biggest issue of the day."
Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson said: "To me that is a total absence of leadership. Remainers in this country need a leader, not a bystander."
Labour has said if it wins the General Election on December 12, it would negotiate a new withdrawal agreement and then put that to a referendum with the option to remain in the EU on the ballot paper.
Corbyn has faced repeated criticism for refusing to say which way he would vote, even though senior colleagues like shadow chancellor John McDonnell and shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry have said they would back Remain.
He sought to draw a line under the controversy when he appeared on BBC's Question Time on Friday, saying he would be "neutral" so he could "credibly" deliver the result of the referendum, whatever the outcome.
But he faced mocking laughter from some in the studio audience as he sought to explain his position.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel