Corbyn faces new grassroots revolt over single market
Jeremy Corbyn is facing demands from thousands of grassroots Labour members in Scotland to campaign to keep the UK a member of the European Single Market after Brexit.
Mr Corbyn has long insisted the UK cannot be a member of the single market after the country’s affiliation with the EU ends.
But at least 10 local branches in Scotland have put forward motions to the party’s conference in Dundee next month which back permanent membership of the single market and customs union.
If passed, the vote would deliver a bloody nose to Mr Corbyn and new Scottish leader Richard Leonard, who backed the UK leader on the issue.
Faced with mounting criticism of Labour’s Brexit position, Mr Corbyn will deliver a speech tomorrow when he is tipped to back the UK remaining in a customs union with the EU.
The move comes ahead of a speech by Theresa May on Friday when she is expected to say how the UK wants its relationship with the EU to work.
Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray said: “Labour members in Edinburgh South and across the country are making their voices heard – they want our party to support permanent membership of the Single Market and the Customs Union.
“Given the strength of feeling among ordinary members, it’s vital that we debate this at conference. If we are to leave the EU, the least-worst option for limiting the damage caused by Brexit is to remain as a participant in the Single Market and Customs Union.
“This is the only way to tackle austerity, protect jobs, and defend our hard-won rights for workers and consumers.
“Our party was founded to protect the workers of the UK: if we fail them now we will never be forgiven.”