Labour conference rule changes could stop members debating issues like Brexit

NEC approves rule stipulating that only motions deemed contemporary' can be debated, it is understood

Debates sought by local Labour parties on issues like Brexit and electoral reform at the annual conference starting this weekend could be quashed by the leadership, after a series of rule changes passed on Tuesday.

The national executive committee, Labour's governing body, voted on Tuesday to approve a series of rule changes, including one that requires motions for debate at the conference in Liverpool to be deemed contemporary", it is understood.