Flip-flop Labour still clueless on customs

LABOUR was accused of ‘having no clue’ on Brexit after its shadow international trade minister failed 11 times to explain the party’s stance on the customs union.

During a live radio interview Bill Esterson claimed his party’s ‘position has been clear all along’ – but he was unable to give simple details when asked basic questions.

Repeatedly asked whether Labour wanted the UK in or out of the customs union, he told BBC Radio 4’s Today: ‘We are committed to getting the best possible deal for the economy and for jobs.’

Presenter Justin Webb noted that the shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner has said continued membership of the customs union is ‘not possible’, but shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer has said this option should be ‘left on the table’.

Mr Esterson claimed the conflicting stances were simply ‘lurid headlines in tabloids’.

Mr Webb replied: ‘That is just what they said. It’s a really simple question – should we stay in it longterm or not?’

But Mr Esterson again avoided the question, saying ‘Well that’s why you negotiate it, isn’t it, and at the moment we have got a Conservative government, I mean, if they can’t deal with it, perhaps they’ll step aside and let us get on with it.’

The Tories last night said the interview showed Labour would not be ‘up to the job’ of negotiating Brexit.

Maria Caulfield, Tory MP for Lewes, said: ‘This is one of the biggest issues that our country faces and Labour just don’t have a clue.

‘The man that could be running our trade negotiations if Labour were in charge can’t give people a straight answer – Labour simply aren’t up to the job of getting the best deal for the UK.

‘Only the Conservatives have a plan to ensure a smooth and predictable pathway for businesses and citizens alike.’