Former Labour leader campaigns to retain single market membership

Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale has formed a new campaign group in support of remaining in the EU single market.

New party leader Richard Leonard has already faced calls for the party to back permanent single market membership at its upcoming conference.

Ten of Scotland’s 73 Constituency Labour Parties (CLPS) have passed motions urging the conference to support the UK retaining permanent membership of the European single market and customs 0 Kezia Dugdale says single market is ‘least worst option’ union. UK leader Jeremy Corbyn announced last week that Labour would seek to form a “newandcomprehensive”ukeu customs union to ensure tariff-free trade after Brexit.

The new Scottish Labour for the Single Market group said it will work with trade unions and other campaigns to fight for Labour to support permanent UK membership of the European single market and customs union.

It is described as a grassroots campaign co-chaired by Ms Dugdale, MP Ian Murray and MEP Catherine Stihler.

Ms Dugdale said: “Jeremy Corbyn’s welcome decision to support a customs union puts clear blue water between us and the Tories, however - if we are to leave the EU – the leastworst option for limiting the damage caused by a Tory Brexit is to also remain in the single market.”