UK's Labour piles pressure on May over Brexit stance

[webfact]

UK's Labour piles pressure on May over Brexit stance

By Andrew MacAskill

 

FILE PHOTO: Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party speaks at the Conferederation of British Industry's annual conference in London, Britain, November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Mary Turner/File Photo

 

LONDON (Reuters) - The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, will clarify the party's position on Brexit on Monday in a move that could lead to a major parliamentary defeat for Prime Minister Theresa May.

 

May has ruled out staying in any customs union with the European Union after Brexit because it would prevent the country from striking its own new trade deals with fast-growing economies such as China and India.

 

In a speech, Corbyn is expected to indicate his party's support for agreeing a customs union, a decision that could result in the biggest test of May's fragile authority in parliament.

 

Supporters of Brexit have long said striking trade deals around the world would represent one of the big potential gains for Britain from leaving the EU.

 

If instead it stayed in a customs union with the EU, Britain could avoid tariff barriers for its exports to the bloc as well as the risk of a return to a so-called hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, a prospect that alarms many in Dublin and Belfast.

 

Corbyn, a veteran left-wing lawmaker is expected to disappoint some politicians in his party by indicating he, like May, favours taking Britain out of the EU's single market.

 

"There will be some who will tell you that Brexit is a disaster for this country and some who will tell you that Brexit will create a land of milk and honey. The truth is more down to earth and it's in our hands: Brexit is what we make of it together," Corbyn will say, according to excerpts of the speech.

 

"Labour would negotiate a new and strong relationship with the single market that includes full tariff-free access and a floor under existing rights, standards and protections."

 

If Britain stayed in the EU's single market, it would have to continue accepting the free movement of people from the bloc, follow the rulings of its top court of justice and carry on contributing to the EU budget, something both May and Corbyn have ruled out.

 

Labour is currently ahead in opinion polls but, like the ruling Conservative party, it remains deeply split on its Brexit strategy as the clock ticks towards Britain's formal exit from the EU in March next year.

 

The party's divisions were exposed over the weekend when more than 80 senior figures in the party called on Corbyn to commit to remaining in the EU's single market.

 

Labour's Brexit policy chief Keir Starmer said on Sunday his party has agreed that if it wins power it would negotiate to remain permanently in a new customs union with the bloc, opening up a divide between the two main parties.

 

This could lead Labour to vote with Conservative members of parliament who are backing amendments to trade legislation that would keep Britain in a customs union.

 

Starmer warned that "crunch time is coming" for May and Labour would probably support the amendments.

 

Trade Secretary Liam Fox said the government would delay the key vote on the trade bill partly because it wanted more time to convince its own lawmakers to vote with the government.

 

May is due to set out her own vision for Britain's post-Brexit relationship with the EU in a speech on Friday. She hosted an eight-hour meeting of her top Brexit ministers last week in an attempt to forge a common position.

 

(Reporting By Andrew MacAskill, Editing by William Schomberg and William Maclean)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-02-26

[pagallim]

[Grouse]

This going to be interesting. Let's see which MPs have the courage to do what they themselves believe to be correct rather than bowing to the baying mob, or the whips. Worth losing a seat for, that's clear. Honourable people are thin on the ground. 

Edited February 26, 2018 by Grouse

[Grouse]

Corbyn is about as suitable a choice for PM as Trump is for POTUS. But, I sense change is afoot (as long as it's not Michael Foot ?)

[smedly]

playing with words

 

this is a customs arrangement - he can call it what he wants but essentially it not "The Customs Union" we are currently a member of and leaving 

 

this is a non story

[terryw]

On recent evidence Labours' Brexit policy will change again next week.

 

Corbyn only aim is to force a General Election. He has always been anti EU.

 

[dick dasterdly]

2 hours ago, Grouse said:

This going to be interesting. Let's see which MPs have the courage to do what they themselves believe to be correct rather than bowing to the baying mob, or the whips. Worth losing a seat for, that's clear. Honourable people are thin on the ground. 

I'd have phrased it differently e.g:-

 

'Let's see which MPs have the courage to ignore their constituents' vote - in pursuance of their own, personal, path to the 'gravy train' via big business and the eu.'

 

But I do agree that honourable MPs are "thin on the ground" ...

[dick dasterdly]

I've just realised that this article is dated Nov. '17....

 

What the hell is going on when this is posted as "news"???? 

[dunroaming]

4 hours ago, smedly said:

playing with words

 

this is a customs arrangement - he can call it what he wants but essentially it not "The Customs Union" we are currently a member of and leaving 

 

this is a non story

And that is why Starmer said

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Labour's Brexit policy chief Keir Starmer said on Sunday his party has agreed that if it wins power it would negotiate to remain permanently in a new customs union with the bloc, opening up a divide between the two main parties.

New being the operative word.

 

As for it being a non story, well it's on the front pages of all the newspapers and has been headline news on all the news channels so not doing badly as a "non story"

[dick dasterdly]

3 minutes ago, dunroaming said:

And that is why Starmer said

 

New being the operative word.

 

As for it being a non story, well it's on the front pages of all the newspapers and has been headline news on all the news channels so not doing badly as a "non story"

I'm still confused as to whether the Labour party supports the referendum result or remain.

 

Does anyone have any idea as to the Labour parties' view on this or, come to that, the Tory party .

 

They're all trying desperately hard not to alienate voters, whilst pretending that they're on 'their' side...

[dunroaming]

17 minutes ago, dick dasterdly said:

I'm still confused as to whether the Labour party supports the referendum result or remain.

 

Does anyone have any idea as to the Labour parties' view on this or, come to that, the Tory party .

 

They're all trying desperately hard not to alienate voters, whilst pretending that they're on 'their' side...

I don't think that there is consensus with any of the parties over Brexit.  It seems that we get told this or that is being proposed to get a reaction and then weigh up the response.  The Tories are in disarray and the Labour Party see a chance to make some significant progress towards getting another general election.  It stands to reason that it is the Tories in disarray because it is them who are in the driving seat over Brexit.  Had it been Labour I am sure they would be in the same pickle.

 

You would think that all MPs positions over Brexit would be the same as their constituents.  After all it is them who they are representing and more to the point it is those constituents that would get them re-elected.  That is just logical.  If you are in a constituency where the voting was split down the middle then it is less straightforward and then the MP should make a judgement call based on what they genuinely believe to be the best thing for their area.

 

However I wouldn't trust any MP to do the right thing for their constituents.  Self interest is their number one motivation.

 

  

[Grouse]

According to "The Thunderer" (That's The Times, for the great unwashed):

 

"Jeremy Corbyn will today set out his party's Brexit plan as pro-Leave Labour MPs accuse him of treating voters as if they were "thick""

 

I didn't say a word ?

[Grouse]

3 hours ago, dick dasterdly said:

I'd have phrased it differently e.g:-

 

'Let's see which MPs have the courage to ignore their constituents' vote - in pursuance of their own, personal, path to the 'gravy train' via big business and the eu.'

 

But I do agree that honourable MPs are "thin on the ground" ...

Dick, surly after all this time you understand representative parliamentary democracy. If MPs are just there to press a button according to what the majority of their constituents want, anybody could do it (including my wife... well er).

 

NO members of parliament are there to vote for what they themselves consider to be in the best interests of their constituents and the country.

 

This is how we get around the disadvantages of "pure democracy", why we don't have hanging or free beer on Sundays 

Edited February 26, 2018 by Grouse

[ballpoint]

2 hours ago, dick dasterdly said:

I've just realised that this article is dated Nov. '17....

 

What the hell is going on when this is posted as "news"???? 

The photo was taken in Nov '17.  The story is "© Copyright Reuters 2018-02-26"

[Baerboxer]

24 minutes ago, Grouse said:

Dick, surly after all this time you understand representative parliamentary democracy. If MPs are just there to press a button according to what the majority of their constituents want, anybody could do it (including my wife... well er).

 

NO members of parliament are there to vote for what they themselves consider to be in the best interests of their constituents and the country.

 

This is how we get around the disadvantages of "pure democracy", why we don't have hanging or free beer on Sundays 

"This is how we get around the disadvantages of "pure democracy", why we don't have hanging or free beer on Sundays "

 

Or "Advisory Referendums" that are decided on a simple majority with the winning side claiming it can never ever be voted on again, never ever, whilst the elected representative politicians bottle out............... oh, wait a minute ,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Baerboxer]

What a striking pose Jeremy Comrade Corbin makes in that photo.

 

Jeremy Corbin = J.C.

 

The UK is saved, ring the bells!!

[dunroaming]

Just been listening to Corbyns's speech and he is now taking questions.  It is of course easy to say that labour would do this and that if they were in power.  However, he did sound plausible on quite a few points.. Much of what he was proposing did sound like where the Tories are likely to end up, eventually.  A soft brexit.

 

But beyond the rhetoric, Labour's vision doesn't seem any more do-able than the Tories.  The divide is clearer now but after accusing the Tories of "wanting their cake and eating it" it does sound like Labour wants the same.  That ain't going to happen!

[Grouse]

39 minutes ago, dunroaming said:

Just been listening to Corbyns's speech and he is now taking questions.  It is of course easy to say that labour would do this and that if they were in power.  However, he did sound plausible on quite a few points.. Much of what he was proposing did sound like where the Tories are likely to end up, eventually.  A soft brexit.

 

But beyond the rhetoric, Labour's vision doesn't seem any more do-able than the Tories.  The divide is clearer now but after accusing the Tories of "wanting their cake and eating it" it does sound like Labour wants the same.  That ain't going to happen!

 

[Lokie]

Labour Pile on the pressure? they couldn't pile $ h it

[Grouse]

Sadly, Corbyn fudged it. 

 

He needs a new Anorak 

[CG1 Blue]

Of course we would all like frictionless trading and an open Irish border. The Tories want that too.  But the EU don’t want us to have this.  

 

However, if Corbyn means he wants us to stay in THE customs union, that’s a very bold statement. That would mean keeping free movement of people and remaining under the jurisdiction of the European Court. We’d be unable to negotiate trade deals with other countries independently.  We'd still contribute to the EU budget.  Essentially we’d still be in the EU, but have no say on EU policy.

 

Corbyn has been a Euro sceptic throughout his entire political career, so this latest U-turn is clearly a grab for power.  

 

As for the Irish border, the EU could easily make bespoke arrangements for Ireland and resolve the issue.  But they don't want to give up the Ireland bargaining chip.

 

[Grouse]

9 hours ago, CG1 Blue said:

Of course we would all like frictionless trading and an open Irish border. The Tories want that too.  But the EU don’t want us to have this.  

 

However, if Corbyn means he wants us to stay in THE customs union, that’s a very bold statement. That would mean keeping free movement of people and remaining under the jurisdiction of the European Court. We’d be unable to negotiate trade deals with other countries independently.  We'd still contribute to the EU budget.  Essentially we’d still be in the EU, but have no say on EU policy.

 

Corbyn has been a Euro sceptic throughout his entire political career, so this latest U-turn is clearly a grab for power.  

 

As for the Irish border, the EU could easily make bespoke arrangements for Ireland and resolve the issue.  But they don't want to give up the Ireland bargaining chip.

 

A customs union has nothing to do with free movement of labour.

[bert bloggs]

23 hours ago, Grouse said:

This going to be interesting. Let's see which MPs have the courage to do what they themselves believe to be correct rather than bowing to the baying mob, or the whips. Worth losing a seat for, that's clear. Honourable people are thin on the ground. 

You don't bow to the baying mob ,they are the people who elected you ,if you do not agree with your voters then step down . you were elected to do what they wished ,not for your own ends . that is being honorable .

[Grouse]

1 minute ago, bert bloggs said:

You don't bow to the baying mob ,they are the people who elected you ,if you do not agree with your voters then step down . you were elected to do what they wished ,not for your own ends . that is being honorable .

I am sorry to inform you that you are entirely incorrect. Read up on it.

[Chomper Higgot]

21 hours ago, terryw said:

On recent evidence Labours' Brexit policy will change again next week.

 

Corbyn only aim is to force a General Election. He has always been anti EU.

 

Odd that, since Corbyn supported Remain in the referendum. 

[dick dasterdly]

17 hours ago, Grouse said:

Dick, surly after all this time you understand representative parliamentary democracy. If MPs are just there to press a button according to what the majority of their constituents want, anybody could do it (including my wife... well er).

 

NO members of parliament are there to vote for what they themselves consider to be in the best interests of their constituents and the country.

 

This is how we get around the disadvantages of "pure democracy", why we don't have hanging or free beer on Sundays 

The referendum has made it very clear that the government and MPs have entirely 'lost touch' with the electorate - so MPs 'pressing a button according to what the majority of their constituents want' is an obvious non-starter !

 

Even so, MPs are supposed to represent their constituents.

Edited February 27, 2018 by dick dasterdly

[Grouse]

2 hours ago, dick dasterdly said:

represent their constituents.

You will need to explain your point. 

 

Has our representative parliamentary democracy been at fault all these centuries? I had no idea.

[nontabury]

16 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Odd that, since Corbyn supported Remain in the referendum. 

Correct, he changed his anti E.U stance a few months earlier, in order to gain the leadership of the Labour Party.

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

Let's be honest here, the real problem is 19 months after the referendum the Tory government are still running around like headless chickens. 

 

No plan, no way forward, no way backward, clueless and pathetic as the struggle with a Brexit they wanted but can't handle and in the meantime leave the nation to rot in a growing pile of other problems they, the Tories, created.

[nontabury]

39 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Let's be honest here, the real problem is 19 months after the referendum the Tory government are still running around like headless chickens. 

 

No plan, no way forward, no way backward, clueless and pathetic as the struggle with a Brexit they wanted but can't handle and in the meantime leave the nation to rot in a growing pile of other problems they, the Tories, created.

You’re correct, this government led by a remainer, is making a complete mess of the situation. That is why an increasing number of people are starting to demand 

a quick departure from this so called Union. Agreement or no agreement.