IN an exclusive interview in The Northern Echo today, Tony Blair outlines his thoughts on Brexit.

The former Prime Minister argues passionately for a second referendum, which would offer a clear choice between the deal that Theresa May is able to agree with European Union leaders and the option of remaining in the EU.

Mr Blair is a divisive figure, and his views will not go down well with some. The Brexit debate cuts across the political divide, and there will be plenty of Labour voters who fervently disagree with what he is proposing.

At least they will be able to work out what he wants, though. Whether you agree with him or not, there is a clarity to Mr Blair’s argument that is sadly lacking in anything being proposed by the current Labour leadership.

Does the Labour Party want a second referendum or not? Does it support the option of remaining in the EU to be included on any future ballot paper? Does Jeremy Corbyn support a policy that could command the backing of the rest of the shadow cabinet?

The Brexit debate has been raging for more than two years now, yet Labour’s position on the biggest political issue in a generation remains shrouded in mystery. If anything, the debates at the recent Labour conference only added to the confusion.

That is why Labour continues to lag behind the Conservatives in the opinion polls. It also why, whatever you think of his political past, Mr Blair’s contribution to the debate is a welcome one.