CAN the Labour party under Jeremy Corbyn really be the driving force behind reversing Britain’s decision to quite the EU?
Surely not. That is the hope of MEP David Martin, but the evidence for this is thin.
Whether or not you think – as some do – that Mr Corbyn may even have voted for Leave, his lacklustre campaigning for the Remain side was widely criticised.
Indeed that is only thrown into sharp relief by the performance in the general election. Prior to June’s vote, some many have seen Mr Corbyn’s low profile at the EU referendum as a symptom of a broader incompetence.
But now we know what he looks like in enthusiastic campaigning mode and it is a sight more impressive and effective. With hindsight, his involvement in the EU poll looks even more insipid than it did at the time.
Since the General Election, Mr Corbyn and his team have continued to insist the British people’s will, as expressed in the Brexit vote, must be honoured, and resisted the idea that this is compatible with remaining in the single market. And, as Mr Martin also notes, there is no obvious route to achieving a second referendum to reverse Brexit.
But it is not simply European MPs such as Mr Martin who are looking for other options. In the wake of Theresa May’s election humiliation, senior figures in her own party are talking about alternatives to her hard Brexit strategy Ex-minister Francis Maude is one of those backing the so-called Norway For Now approach, which would see the UK remaining a member of the the European Economic Area on similar terms to the Scandinavian country.
These include membership of the single market, payments into the EU budget and broad acceptance of free movement of people – so, as Lord Maude concedes, it would be unpopular with many Brexiters and Leave voters. As a temporary approach, however, it has merit in providing a softer landing for the UK economy in the wake of EU departure. While retaining the benefits of single-market membership, Britain would leave the customs union, so could make its own trade agreements and would regain control of farming and fisheries. With the CBI calling last night for the UK to stay in the single market until a final deal is in force, the pressure for a change of direction from the prime minister is growing.
There are even some Tory MPs who believe Brexit will not happen – with one reason being the risk of capital flight if companies respond to a possible Corbyn premiership, or to Brexit, or both, by disinvesting in Britain.
It remains the responsibility of politicians, having held the referendum, to respect its outcome and carry out the wishes of the British people. However, Mrs May and her government sought a mandate for a hard Brexit at the election and were denied one.
It is right to explore all the options and in particular whether the UK – and, as things stand, Scotland – can be kept within the single market.
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