MP, Leader of the , will have an extended
meeting with the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, , in Brussels on
Thursday, in a move which signals Labour’s growing
importance to the Brexit process in the wake of the UK General
Election.
The Labour leader will be joined by Shadow Brexit Secretary, Kier
Starmer and Shadow Home Secretary, , for the meeting in which they
are expected to discuss Labour’s priorities for a jobs-first
Brexit deal and cover Labour’s approach to Phase 1 negotiations.
Phase 1 includes citizen’s rights, exit obligations, and
Ireland’s border arrangements. Labour will raise the issue of EU
nationals and repeat the party’s support for a unilateral
guarantee of the rights of EU nationals currently living in
Britain. Labour will extend the hand of partnership and
friendship to European Union leaders and outline how a
Labour-negotiated Brexit would seek to build on our integrated
trading positions and commitment to protect and maximise trade
opportunities between the UK and the rest of Europe.
said:
“Labour is a government in waiting and we are ready to take up
the responsibility for Brexit negotiations.
“Labour respects the referendum result and the decision to leave
the European Union. But a Labour Brexit would look very different
to the race-to-the-bottom tax haven backed by this Conservative
Government.
“In contrast to the Conservatives’ megaphone diplomacy, we will
conduct relations with our European neighbours respectfully and
in the spirit of friendship. Our strong links with our European
sister parties gives Labour an advantage in reaching an outcome
that works for both sides.
“Labour would negotiate a jobs-first Brexit deal which puts the
economy, jobs and living standards front and centre. Labour
would unilaterally guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in
the UK because it’s the right thing to do.
“Labour wants to work with other countries to build a
different Europe, one which promotes human rights and
environmental protections, celebrates the positive and
complementary contributions of European nations, and where trade
is fair and sustainable.”
Ends
