Jeremy Corbyn should go after Chilcot report apology, say top Labour MPs
EMBATTLED Jeremy Corbyn should step down after apologising for Labour’s failings over Iraq, MPs say.
Senior Labour figures will propose a departure deal — as he haemorrhages support but defiantly remains in the post.
A delegation is demanding Mr Corbyn walk away after the publication of the long-awaited Chilcot Inquiry report.
It would allow him to respond to David Cameron’s statement in the Commons on Wednesday and apologise for his party’s pro-war position in 2003 that saw 179 British military fatalities.
Mr Corbyn, who vehemently opposed the war, could also call for former PM Tony Blair to face a war crimes trial.
A Labour source said: “A number of proposals to ensure Jeremy’s legacy will be offered in return for him stepping down.” The insider added that his Chilcot response will be “his moment in history”.
The report will also slam security chiefs for their part in providing the intelligence for the so-called “dodgy dossier”, according to an inquiry source.
Both former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove and Mr Blair will be criticised. Military chiefs will also be blamed for not bringing stability to Basra.
Yesterday Mr Corbyn appeared to lunge at a TV reporter when asked if he was “running away” from questions about his future.
An aide told him: “Don’t, Jeremy, don’t. Come on.” He was then led away at the Say No To Hate Crime rally in North London.
Last night Mr Corbyn said he is ready to “reach out” to MPs who oppose him. But he insisted they need to “respect the democracy” of the Labour party and members’ views.