Labour urged to aid single market campaign

LABOUR has been urged to join a cross-party bid to keep the UK in the single market and customs union after Brexit.

Plaid Cymru, the SNP, Liberal Democrats and Greens have joined forces to back an amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill when it returns to the Commons this week.

If passed, the move would stop ministers being able to use so-called Henry VIII powers to take Britain out of the single market and customs union.

The move follows a Brexit summit by the leaders of the four parties, which Labour refused to attend.

Plaid Cymru Westminster leader Liz Saville-Roberts said: “We remain hopeful that the Labour Party will work with us and take the opportunity to defeat the Tories.”

The leader of the SNP at Westminster, Ian Blackford, said: “Time is running out to prevent the economic catastrophe of an extreme Tory Brexit.

“We know UK Government plans to drag Scotland and the UK out of the single market and customs union would destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs, and cause lasting damage to the incomes, livelihoods, and living standards of millions of people across the country.

“With just 10 months to go before a deal is due between the UK and EU, sensible MPs of all parties must now unite to protect our vital place in the single market.

“Short of remaining in the EU – as Scotland voted for – retaining our single market membership is by far the best compromise and the least damaging option.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable said: “This amendment is a significant step in the fight against Brexit, demonstrating the increased willingness of parties to work together formally rather than just behind the scenes.

“Through the four leaders in the House of Commons, we are presenting a united front. We urge the leadership of a fifth opposition party, Labour, to join us so we can change course from the dangerous Brexit being pursued by the Conservatives.”

Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas said: “What happens this year in Parliament will have huge and lasting repercussions for the country – which is why we’re putting party differences aside and working alongside each other.

“We urge Labour to join us.”