In a major speech in Coventry this morning (Monday), , Leader of the , will lay out Labour’s Jobs
First approach to Brexit.
He will argue that the EU is “not the root of all our problems”
nor “the source of all enlightenment”. Brexit, he will say, “is
what we make of it together”.
Corbyn will present Labour’s consistent approach to Brexit since
the EU referendum and lay out how Labour has compelled the
Government to act.
He will say Britain needs a bespoke, negotiated relationship with
the EU. Labour would seek a new, strong relationship with Single
Market rules, with protections, clarifications or exemptions
where necessary, so Labour in government could deliver its
ambitious economic programme.
, Leader of the , will say:
"The European Union is not the root of all our problems and
leaving it will not solve all our problems. Likewise, the EU is
not the source of all enlightenment and leaving it does not
inevitably spell doom for our country.
"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."
On pushing the Government to act, will say:
"Our message has been consistent since the vote to leave 20
months ago. We respect the result of the referendum. Our priority
is to get the best deal for people’s jobs, living standards and
the economy. We reject any race to the bottom in workers’ rights,
environmental safeguards, consumer protections, or food safety
standards.
"And we’ve pushed the Government to act to guarantee the rights
of EU citizens living here and of UK citizens who have made their
homes elsewhere in Europe; to ensure a transition period on the
existing terms to minimise disruption and avoid an economic cliff
edge; to avoid any return to a hard border in Northern Ireland;
and to guarantee Parliament a meaningful vote on the final deal."
On a new strong relationship with the Single Market, will say:
"Every country that is geographically close to the EU without
being an EU member state, whether it’s Turkey, Switzerland, or
Norway, has some sort of close relationship to the EU, some more
advantageous than others.
"Britain will need a bespoke relationship of its own. 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.
"That new relationship would need to ensure we can deliver our
ambitious economic programme, take the essential steps to upgrade
and transform our economy, and build an economy for the 21st
century that works for the many, not the few.
"So we would also seek to negotiate protections, clarifications
or exemptions, where necessary, in relation to privatisation and
public service competition directives, state aid and procurement
rules and the posted workers directive."
"We cannot be held back, inside or outside the EU, from taking
the steps we need to support cutting edge industries and local
business, stop the tide of privatisation and outsourcing or
prevent employers being able to import cheap agency labour from
abroad to undercut existing pay and conditions."
