[EvadingGrid]

bbc.co.uk
http://www.bbc.co.uk/

Jeremy Corbyn backs permanent customs union after Brexit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-43189878


'Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has backed the UK being in a permanent customs union with the EU in a speech setting out his approach to Brexit.

He said this would avoid the need for a "hard border" in Northern Ireland and ensure free-flowing trade for business.

The policy shift could lead to Labour siding with Tory rebels to defeat Theresa May on her Brexit strategy.

The Conservatives accused Labour of making false promises about there being a "simple solution to Brexit".  The prime minister has insisted the UK will leave both the single market and the customs union, allowing it to negotiate its own post-Brexit trade deals.

Mr Corbyn said Labour backed customs union membership during a planned two-year transition period after the UK leaves the EU in March 2019.

But in a shift from the party's policy at last year's general election, he said the UK should strike a new customs deal with the EU at the end of transition.

"Labour would seek a final deal that gives full access to European markets and maintains the benefits of the single market and the customs union... with no new impediments to trade and no reduction in rights, standards and protections," he said.'

Read More : Jeremy Corbyn backs permanent customs union after Brexit


Last Edit by Palmerston